Behavioral Health Practitioner - Mental Health - Reception and Treatment Center

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation & sick leave

Military leave

State retirement match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance

Health insurance

Dental & vision

Life insurance

PSLF eligible

Job summary

State of Nebraska, Department of Correctional Services, seeks a Behavioral Health Practitioner to deliver mental health counseling to inmates at the Lincoln facility. The role supports safety and rehabilitation, with licensure requirements and multiple salary levels based on credentials.

Licensure pathways vary by level; a Master’s degree in a related field is required, plus state licensure or provisional licensure will be considered for progression. A fully paid training program is provided.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Human Development, Psychology, or related field required by license rules.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to inmates and crisis intervention.
• Complete timely documentation for assigned inmates.
• Consult with staff on inmate mental status and treatment progression.
• Screen and refer inmates to appropriate review teams.
• Assess risk for suicidal inmates.
• Assist with initial screening and orientation of new inmates.
• Provide on-call mental health consultations outside regular hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the BHP supervisor.

Education

Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Human Development, Psychology, or related field

Job description

Job Posting

JR2026-00027084 Behavioral Health Practitioner - Mental Health - Reception and Treatment Center (Evergreen) (Open)

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Correctional Services - Agency 46

Location

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate

$36.798

Applications No Longer Accepted On

(If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Behavioral Health Practitioner to join our team at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). In this vital role, you’ll provide essential mental health counseling to an underserved, diverse population contributing directly to the safety and rehabilitation of individuals in our care. If you’re a licensed or provisionally licensed professional with a passion for helping others navigate complex behavioral and emotional challenges, and help us fulfill our mission of promoting growth and excellence. The Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) is a National Health Services Corp approved site. Information about the Department can be found at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at [e-mail].

License eligible individuals will be considered at a lesser salary. Additional $3/hour facility differential for hours worked.

PLMHP or PLADC: $27.145

LMHP or LADC: $31.844

LMHP and PLADC: $34.231

LMHP and LADC or LIMHP: $36.798

Duties

• Provide individual/group counseling and crisis intervention to inmates.
• Complete written documentation for assigned inmates in a timely manner.
• Consult with appropriate staff regarding inmate mental status and treatment progression. Participate in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Screen and refer inmates to appropriate review teams.
• Assess risk for suicidal individuals.
• Participate in the initial screening and orientation of new inmates.
• When on-call for Mental Health, provide consultation and services to inmates outside of regular hours.
• Other duties consistent with the role as assigned by the facility BHP supervisor(s).

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Behavioral Health Practitioner I: Provisional license to practice as a mental health practitioner in Nebraska

Behavioral Health Practitioner II: Nebraska License as Mental Health Practitioner.

Behavioral Health Practitioner III: Nebraska license as Mental Health Practitioner or Nebraska license as Alcohol and Drug Counselor AND Nebraska Provisional License as Mental Health Practitioner or Nebraska Provisional License as Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Behavioral Health Practitioner IV : State of Nebraska licenses as Mental Health Practitioner and Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Legal Requirements

Licensure requirements for all levels pursuant to Nebraska State Statutes 38-2122, 38-2124, and 38-316. Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Human Development, Psychology, Family Relations, Vocational Rehabilitation, Art Therapy, Divinity, Human Resources, Naturopathy, Mental Health or other field approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in order to become a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner AND 3000 hours of post-degree supervised counseling experience.

Other

Proof of licensure and transcripts required prior to scheduled interview. Successful completion of background check. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave (24 days your first year, accruing immediately)
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible through the Federal government
• Meaningful public service -- service with a purpose!
• Numerous training and development opportunities

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.