Counselor

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Mother-friendly workplace

Job summary

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Belton, TX is seeking a Counselor to perform jail-based mental health counseling and coordination of care for inmates. The role includes screenings, case management, crisis intervention, and documentation within the facility's programs.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree with at least one year of related experience, strong communication skills, and ability to work with diverse populations under supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and one year experience in related area.
• Knowledge of jail-based mental health service standards.
• Suicide prevention and crisis intervention experience.
• Ability to coordinate care and referrals to programs and services.
• Strong documentation and use of EHR systems.

Responsibilities

• Mental Health Screening using standardized intake forms and follow-up.
• Case management and coordination of care with facility programs.
• Wellness checks and cell-side supportive engagement.
• Crisis intervention and ensuring safety with licensed providers.
• Documentation in the electronic health record and compliance.
• Team collaboration with psychiatry, nurses, and custody staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Jail-based mental health standards

Suicide prevention practices

Crisis intervention principles

Rapport-building

Therapeutic communication

Coordinate care

Referrals

Documentation skills

Independent work

De-escalation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Electronic health records

Job description

Extended Job Title

Counselor

Position Description

Performs personal, vocational, educational, or other counseling or training at the individual or group level at the Bell County Jail in Belton, TX. May assist in the coordination and management of the program. Work is performed under general supervision with performance based on individual counseling effectiveness and overall program results obtained.

Requisition ID

45844BR

Travel Required

None

Pay Grade Maximum

$40.00

Major/Essential Functions

• Mental Health Screening - Conducts standardized intake and follow-up screenings using pre-defined forms created by a licensed psychiatrist. Accurately records findings and communicates results to the supervising mental health team for treatment planning.
• Case Management and Coordination of Care - Serves as a case coordinator for assigned patients by linking them to facility-based programming, psychiatric services, and reentry or community resources as appropriate. Tracks progress and ensures follow-through on referrals.
• Wellness Checks and Supportive Engagement - Performs routine cell-side activities to monitor patient well-being, provide supportive conversation, and observe for changes in mental health status. Escalates concerns promptly to licensed providers.
• Crisis Intervention - Responds promptly and effectively to mental health crises, using appropriate interventions. Ensures safety and stability of the individual and documents actions completely.
• Documentation and Compliance - Maintains timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record and ensures compliance with jail standards, departmental protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Team Collaboration - Works collaboratively with psychiatry providers, nurses, custody staff, and program coordinators to support the delivery of mental health services and to promote patient safety and well-being within the facility.
• Other Duties as Assigned - Willingly performs all other assignments as directed by superior.

Grant Funded?

No

Pay Grade Minimum

$20.00

Pay Basis

Hourly

Work Location

Belton

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of jail-based mental health service standards, suicide prevention practices and crisis intervention principles. Skills in rapport-building and therapeutic communication with diverse populations, including justice-involved individuals. Ability to coordinate care and make appropriate referrals to facility programs, treatment services, and community resources. Strong organizational and documentation skills, including accurate use of electronic health records and screening forms. Ability to conduct wellness checks and supportive interventions at the cell-side with professionalism and respect. Capacity to work independently under general supervision while collaborating effectively with psychiatrist, nurses and other team members. Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills suitable for high-stress environments.

Department

OSI Jail Operations

Required Attachments

Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan website at https://app4.ttuhsc.edu/payplan.

Shift

Day

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one year experience in related area. Additional education in a related area may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.

Jeanne Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. By October 1 of each year, institutions must publish and distribute their Annual Campus Security Policy & Crime Statistics Report (ASR) to current and prospective students and employees. To view this report, visit the TTUHSC Clery Act website at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/compliance/clery-report.aspx.

Introduction

Nationally recognized as a Great College to Work For, TTUHSC provides much more than just a job! Enjoy excellent benefits, including paid leave, retirement plans, wellness programs, health insurance and so much more. Ready to start building a rewarding career in a positive environment where you can develop and thrive? Join us as we change the future of health care.

About TTUHSC

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is enriching the lives of others by educating students, providing excellent patient care, and advancing knowledge through innovative research. TTUHSC graduates more health care professionals than any other health care institution in the state, conferring 24.2% of all degrees and certificates awarded from health-related institutions in Texas. By providing comprehensive clinical services to more than 10 million individuals across 121 counties, TTUHSC is dedicated to advancing the health of people throughout Texas and beyond. This is where world-class education meets compassionate patient care – and we believe that our people are the reason for our institution’s lasting success and bright future.

Being part of the TTUHSC team means being part of an innovative and supportive community that empowers each individual to do their best work. Through our values-based culture, TTUHSC is committed to cultivating an exceptional workplace community with a positive culture that puts people first.

Benefits

• Health Plans + Supplemental Coverage Options – Individual health insurance provided at no cost for full-time team members
• Paid Time Off – Including holidays, vacation, sick leave and more
• Retirement Plans
• Wellness Programs
• Certified Mother-Friendly Workplace

Additionally, TTUHSC invests in the success of our team members by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, including lifelong learning programs, recognition programs, and health and wellness initiatives. Team members also enjoy a variety of other perks, such as special membership rates at local gyms and golf courses, access to state-of-the- art software and facilities, and discounts on travel, technology, entertainment and more.

Visa Information

TTUHSC, at its sole discretion, may initiate new H-1B I-129 visa petitions in accordance with the directive issued by Governor Abbott. Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission is required. On a limited, case-by-case basis, the institution may also sponsor eligible individuals for change-of-status or change-of-employer petitions for qualifying positions. TTUHSC will not pay the $100,000 fee, if applicable.