Forensic Counselor

Bridgeway Center, Inc.; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday premium pay

Health Insurance

PTO

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a dedicated Forensic Counselor to join the Forensic Pre-Trial Program at the Okaloosa County Jail.

You will provide behavioral health services to individuals in the criminal justice system experiencing mental health or substance use challenges during incarceration. You will conduct assessments, offer individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, assist with release planning, and link clients to community-based services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or related field.
• Experience with forensic population preferred (1 year).
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client assessments and develop individualized treatment and relapse prevention plans.
• Provide individual counseling and recovery-focused group counseling.
• Facilitate psychosocial rehabilitation and psychoeducational sessions.
• Deliver daily living support and skills development in a pilot shelter program.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment teams and coordinate with staff and partners.
• Assist with release planning and community reintegration.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the EHR and other systems.
• Maintain a safe, professional environment and adhere to policies.

Skills

Counseling skills

Group therapy

Assessment skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a closely related field

Job description

Position Summary

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Forensic Counselor to join the Forensic Pre-Trial Program (FPTP) at the Okaloosa County Jail. In this role, you will provide behavioral health services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system who have been identified as experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges during incarceration.

The Forensic Counselor conducts assessments, provides individual and group counseling, facilitates psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions, and develops treatment and relapse prevention plans. The Forensic Counselor also assists with release planning and links clients to community-based behavioral health, case management, and support services. Because clients often present with complex psychiatric, substance use, social, and criminogenic needs, the Forensic Counselor works closely with correctional staff, community partners, healthcare providers, and other BCI programs to ensure continuity of care and promote positive treatment outcomes.

The ideal candidate is committed to supporting recovery, reducing recidivism, and improving the overall well-being of the individuals we serve. They work confidently and independently within a correctional setting, maintain professional boundaries, and respond calmly to challenging situations. They bring strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism, and thrive as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Why Join BCI?

At BCI, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening our community through compassionate, evidence-based behavioral healthcare. As a Forensic Counselor, you will make a meaningful difference by helping individuals address mental health and substance use challenges and build a path toward recovery and successful reintegration.

Our FPTP uses an evidence-based service model with proven outcomes. We provide comprehensive onboarding, training, mentoring, and ongoing coaching to help you build the skills and confidence to succeed. Whether you are starting your career or bringing prior experience, you’ll find opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What You’ll Love About This Role

• The opportunity to support recovery, reduce recidivism, and help individuals successfully return to the community
• An evidence-based program model with proven outcomes
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team, with training, mentoring, and coaching from day one
• Holiday premium pay at one and one-half (1.5) times your regular rate, plus holiday time to use later, when you work a BCI holiday
• A FT position with a competitive salary and benefits package

Benefits

BCI offers competitive salary and benefits. Benefits include:

• Eleven (11) Paid Holidays
• Seventeen (17) days per year of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care / Dependent Care Reimbursement Program
• Employer-Paid $15,000.00 Life Insurance
• Teladoc
• Health Insurance
• Vision / Dental Insurance

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience working with the forensic population preferred (not required).
• Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred (not required).

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Applicants must be able to pass an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Medicaid and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Level II background check (Clearinghouse Education and Awareness Website: https://info.flclearinghouse.com)
• National Sex Offender Registry search
• Office of Inspector General (OIG) check (if you have previously worked for DCF, including Contract or Subcontract Provider)
• Drug screen
• Tuberculosis (TB) test
• Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with no more than three (3) points on their driving record to be insured under BCI’s automobile insurance policy.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of, or experience working with, the criminal justice population.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client information in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and BCI policy.
• Ability to display sensitivity to all persons and cultures, including diverse backgrounds, ages, and levels of ability.
• Ability to work independently, maintain professional boundaries, and respond appropriately to challenging situations in a correctional setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, written communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conducts client assessments, monitors progress, and develops individualized treatment and relapse prevention plans.
• Provides individual counseling and substance use treatment and recovery-focused group counseling.
• Facilitates psychosocial rehabilitation and psychoeducational group sessions designed to enhance coping skills, recovery, and community functioning.
• Delivers daily living support and skills development services to individuals participating in a pilot shelter program.
• Participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and maintains effective communication with correctional staff, referral sources, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Assists with release and transition planning, discharge coordination, and successful community reintegration.
• Links individuals to community resources and support services that address behavioral health, housing, employment, medical, and other identified needs.
• Maintains timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems.
• Maintains a safe, therapeutic, and professional environment while effectively managing client interactions.
• Adheres to agency policies, program standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Location, Schedule, & Compensation

Work Location: Fort Walton Beach (FWB)

Work Schedule: Swing Shift – 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., forty (40) hours of work per week. Weekends and holidays are required. Must be comfortable routinely working independently and managing clients within the program setting.

Holiday Incentive: If required to work on a designated BCI holiday, you will receive premium pay at one and one-half (1.5) times your regular hourly rate for all hours worked on the actual holiday, plus eight (8) hours of holiday time to use within ninety (90) days.

Wage: $21.00 per hour

NOTE: APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT MEET MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

ALL APPLICANTS ARE SUBJECT TO DRUG TESTING.

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)