Job Title: Mental Health Counselor
Department:Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for DC
Hiring Organization: CSOSA, C/O Avue Help Desk
Job Announcement Number:CJP-13-047-DEU-CP

SERIES & GRADE: GS-0101-09/11
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Permanent - No time limit
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:11
DUTY LOCATIONS: Washington, Dist of Columbia

The incumbent is a Mental Health Counselor on the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center's unit that provides the full range of assessment and counseling services to offenders/defendants with a confirmed co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. The incumbent facilitates group modules, observes offenders'/defendants participation in groups led by others and conducts initial intake interviews and evaluations of offenders/defendants. 

Conducts initial interviews with offenders/defendants to obtain and record accurate information concerning the offender/defendants substance abuse history, past mental history and current mental health condition. Provides orientation for the offender/defendant in the facility, conducts searches of the offender/defendant and the offender/ defendants belongings, and secures offender/defendant's property. Assists offenders/defendants with paperwork and enrollment procedures for community based treatment and support programs. Performs preliminary screening of offenders/defendants and observes offender/defendant s behavior on an ongoing basis to identify symptoms of decomposition.

Responds to offenders'/ defendants' needs by securing appropriate medical services to promote stabilization (i.e., emergency psychiatric assignment, detoxification, etc.) Delivers and participates in individual and group counseling that supports the offenders and defendant's mental and emotional stability and level of functioning; and promotes treatment readiness. Assures offenders'/defendants' compliance with recommended interventions including medications, dietary and nutritional requirements, disciplinary actions and program needs.

Attends meetings or provides vital information used in interdisciplinary team setting to assess the offenders'/defendants' needs. Demonstrates cultural competencies in providing services to a diverse group of offenders/defendants. Delivers psycho-educational modules that focus on substance abuse and substance abuse treatment readiness for offenders/defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions. Maintains accurate progress notes that detail offender/defendants observed behaviors, and participation and progress in Re-Entry and Sanctions Center programs and activities. Assists the unit manager in maintaining unit safety, security and order.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

I possess a current appropriate local, state, or national licensure or certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (CAC-I); Certified Mental Health Specialist; or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR valid comparable licensure in a social science discipline such as psychology or social work.(I certify that a current copy of the license or certification is attached to the application to receive consideration.) I certify that my application documents one year specialized experience as a Mental Health Counselor with work to facilitate group modules, observe offender/defendant participation in groups led by others, and conduct initial intake interviews and evaluations of offender/defendant.)

To apply, go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/351268600