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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST, LCSW OR LCPC

Lewis and Clark County, Helena, MT, United States


Brief Description
Lewis and Clark County Criminal Justice Services Department is recruiting for a Behavioral Health Therapist, LCSW or LCPC. Under the general supervision of the Criminal Justice Services Behavioral Health Programs Supervisor, this position provides crisis intervention, de‑escalation, screenings, assessments, and direct therapeutic care for individuals housed in the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center.

Who We Are
Through a holistic and collaborative approach, this Department aims to continually improve our county’s criminal justice system by providing effective community alternatives, solutions, and services to increase community safety, reduce crime, and assist defendants in finding success.

The Criminal Justice Services Department Works Collaboratively With

Lewis and Clark County District Court

Lewis and Clark County Justice Court

Helena Municipal Court

State of Montana City Court, East Helena Municipality

Helena Police Department

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office

Lewis and Clark County Youth Probation Office

Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole Bureau

Office of the Public Defender, Region IV

Benefits

Health Coverage – 2 Types of Health Plans which includes medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage

Traditional Plan – cost for employee only is $50 per month and with the Wellness incentive, the cost may be reduced to $0 per month for full‑time employees.

High Deductible Health Plan – cost for employee is $0 per month and a additional $1,200 per year to a Health Savings Account for full‑time employees.

PureView Health Center – preferred clinic provider and no cost to the employee and his/her dependents

Retirement plans

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

Employees are provided with $25,000 Life Insurance and $25,000 AD &D D insurance as a new employee

Wellness Screening Incentive

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify: https://fed‑pro.org/public-service/

Other Benefits

Working in a fast‑paced environment

Opportunity to serve on a variety of different committees

Professional development and training opportunities

Cost of living increases

Market adjustments

Step based wage increases

Paid parental leave

Requirements

Accredited master’s degree in social work or counseling

Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) preferred

Certification of Mental Health Professional Person (MHPP) preferred

Current Montana license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or licensure candidate

Two (2) years’ experience providing counseling and behavioral health services preferred

Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) annual training

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) required or must be completed within first 18 months of employment

Duties

Works as part of the detention center’s behavioral health team to provide holistic behavioral health care to incarcerated individuals

Performs crisis intervention and de‑escalation tactics for individuals who are experiencing active suicidality, self‑harm plans, and homicidal ideations

Ensures comprehensive behavioral health services are provided in the Detention Center to include mental health, substance misuse, and trauma

Works collaboratively with detention center staff to provide care for all incarcerated individuals

Provides behavioral health consultations for requesting and referred incarcerated individuals

Develops and implements short‑term, strength‑based treatment plans

Works with the detention center medical staff and community providers to support Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorders

Testifies in court as required

Assists in data entry, tracking, and reporting of required program utilization

Prepares and maintains client‑related paperwork, including federal‑ and state‑mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes onsite in the facility, maintaining client confidentiality

Participates in case conferences with members of the detention center’s behavioral health team

Counsels incarcerated individuals in one‑on‑one sessions if caseload allowsAssists with care coordination in collaboration with community providersMontana First Judicial District Behavioral Health Court Treatment team participation

Performs other duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and tasks may change with or without notice.

Examples of Knowledge

Montana Code Annotated and Lewis and Clark County regulations, including health and welfare laws and ordinances

Lewis and Clark County, LCSO Detention Center, and Department of Criminal Justice Services policies and procedures

Familiarization with community health and human service resources

Trauma sensitive and trauma informed programming with an understanding of trauma and how trauma presents in choices and interactions

Working with minority, underserved, transient populations, and/or individuals with co‑occurring disorders

Principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health disorders

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols

HIPAA regulations and expectations within a detention center

Acts as a mandatory reporter, to include the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Examples Of Skills & Abilities

Utilizing Microsoft Teams, Excel, Outlook, and Word applications to communicate and track client progress

Build healthy and appropriate rapport with incarcerated individuals

Provide unconditional positive regard for all people

Recognize and prioritize individuals based upon severity of need

Maintain an organized workspace

Develop and evaluate treatment options and strategies

Maintain client/patient confidentiality

Understand and follows oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions

Operate computer systems and related software

Communicate effectively orally and in writing

Establish effective working relationships with offenders, defendants, fellow employees, supervisors, judges, attorneys, community service organizations/representatives, and citizens

Qualifications

Accredited master’s degree in social work or counseling

Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) preferred

Certification of Mental Health Professional Person (MHPP) preferred

Current Montana license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or licensure candidate

Two (2) years’ experience providing counseling and behavioral health services preferred

Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) annual training

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) required or must be completed within first 18 months of employment

Special Requirements
Must pass extensive criminal background check conducted by Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center staff. Complete a facility tour of the Detention Center prior to accepting position.

Physical Demands
Duties generally performed in the Detention Center, where hazards and discomforts are controlled and modifiable. This position requires the ability to stand, bend at the waist, kneel, reach over the head, talk, hear, and see. Must be able to move or lift documents and materials weighing up to 30 pounds. Position requires knowledge and use of typical office equipment including telephone, copiers, fax machines, and personal computer. Position requires frequent contact with detention center medical staff, detention officers, transportation coordination, offenders, defendants, legal professionals, and community service agencies. Position will require occasional visits to other sites.

Application Instructions
Applications for this position are accepted online only through our career portal.

The following items are required along with the online application:

Resume – attach resume to online application in designated section

Cover Letter – attach cover letter to online application in resume upload section

For questions on this position or on the application process, please call (406) 447‑8316 or e‑mail kgrose@lccountymt.gov.

Disclaimer: Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Opportunity Employer.

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