Corrections Counselor III - Sheriff's Office

County of Weld; Greeley (CO); On-site; USD 76,564 - 96,990; Full time

Job summary

County of Weld is seeking a Correctional Counselor III to join the Sheriff’s Office, providing face-to-face counseling and support services to inmates in secure environments. Key responsibilities include crisis intervention, mental health assessments, and collaboration with medical staff.

Applicants need a Master’s degree in counseling or related fields, and must possess strong knowledge in mental health counseling. This position ensures direct interaction within the correctional environment, complying with scheduled operational hours.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required in counseling or related field.
• 1 year specific counseling experience required.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and treatment.

Responsibilities

• Provide face-to-face counseling to inmates.
• Facilitate psycho-educational programs in the correctional setting.
• Conduct suicide assessments and prepare documentation.

Skills

Counseling

Mental health knowledge

Crisis intervention

Psycho-educational group facilitation

Documentation skills

Education

Master’s Degree in counseling, social work or related field

Job description

Compensation

Range $76,564.80 - $96,990.40

Job Description Summary

The Counselor serves as a vital member of the Sheriff’s Office team, providing direct, face‑to‑face counseling and support services to individuals in custody. This role is primarily conducted within inmate housing units and other secure areas, not behind a desk or computer screen. The Counselor spends the majority of their time engaging in‑person with inmates, building rapport, assessing needs, and delivering interventions in real time within the correctional environment.

A Correctional Counselor III provides crisis intervention and short‑term counseling to inmates. Counselors provide psycho‑educational groups, including cognitive behavioral based programs, to inmates. They work in collaboration with security and medical staff concerning inmate related problems. Counselors conduct suicide assessment and mental health screening for inmates with follow up supervision. Counselors provide diagnostic mental health evaluations of inmates to determine mental health needs. Counselors complete assessment for emergency commitment (M-1) and prepares appropriate documentation upon the release of an inmate. The position’s schedule spans Monday through Saturday, with assigned work hours set according to the operational needs of the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (80%)

• Facilitate suicide staffing as needed and prepare progress notes, EMR documentation, case plan development and follow‑up supervision.
• Develop and update case plans, including documentation and maintenance of counseling files.
• Provide psycho‑educational groups, including cognitive behavioral based programs, to inmates.
• Provide short‑term, individual counseling services and case management to inmates.

Important Duties and Responsibilities (20%)

• Respond to "Inmate Request Forms" and "Mental Health Referral Forms," per policy.
• Complete assessment for emergency commitment (M-1) and prepare appropriate documentation.
• Help resolve housing conflicts between inmates that occur as a result of pod assignment. Consult with staff for resolution.
• Enter general population living area to discuss programs, problem‑solve and maintain good order and discipline with inmates.
• Ensure that appropriate security precautions are followed when working with inmates.
• Complete "Psychiatric Medication Review" for inmates.
• Consult with medical staff regarding psychiatric medication and treatment of mentally ill inmates.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community agencies for consultation, evaluation, therapy and other social services support for in‑house programs and initiate inmate referrals to the community.
• Provide in‑service training to jail staff.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or related field.
• Experience: 1 year experience in counseling, specifically in the mental health field working with a variety of diagnoses, and facilitation of psychoeducational groups.
• Skills and Abilities: Ability to read, write, and speak English; basic math skills; solve practical problems; interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions; operate telephones, computer terminal, keyboard, photocopier, and printer/scanning instrumentation.
• Candidate must pass a criminal background check prior to employment start date.
• Pre‑employment substance screening and drug screening are required.

Licenses and Certifications

• LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor (current license in Colorado).
• LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (current license in Colorado).
• NCAC: National Certified Addictions Counselor (licensed in Colorado).
• Or hold a permit in Colorado as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Candidate, or Clinical Social Worker, or equivalent with the ability to obtain a license within the first 2.5 years of employment. Supervision hours are offered to assist in reaching licensure requirements.
• Ability to speak and write a language other than English is a skill that enhances an employee’s ability to complete this job. Proficiency in the second language is expected for eligibility for the bilingual pay differential.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at [e-mail] or [phone].