Mental Health Associate

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 48,984 - 64,480; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive $5,000

State benefits and SDRS retirement

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

State of South Dakota seeks a qualified mental health professional to provide services to offenders under supervision in a correctional setting. You will participate in treatment services, assist with assessments, and support tele-health sessions as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a mental health field and experience with charting and reporting. The position offers benefits, holidays, and retirement options through SDRS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an accredited mental health field (counseling, social work, psychology, or marriage and family therapy).
• Experience with clients in the criminal justice system preferred.
• Strong documentation and charting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct mental health services to offenders under supervision of professionals.
• Participate in mental health treatment services and unit management.
• Assist with assessments, group facilitation, and telehealth sessions.

Skills

Identify behaviors

Brief screenings

Education

Bachelor's degree in mental health

Job description

Job ID: 36620 • Agency: Department of Corrections - Behavioral Health • Location: Pierre, SD - Women's Prison • Salary: $23.56 to $31.00 per hour • Pay Grade: H • Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Benefits

• $5,000 hiring incentive (eligible only for employees who are not current or former state employees)
• Full state benefits and SDRS retirement (Class A)
• 11 paid holidays; generous vacation and sick leave accrual; dental, vision, and other insurance options

Who We Want

• Highly motivated and experienced, passionate about serving the public and highly committed to assignments and goals
• Compassionate individual who listens attentively and clearly conveys information and ideas
• Dependable, organized, and effective at planning and organizing work activities
• Dedicated and represents DOC with integrity and enthusiasm
• Cooperative team player who promotes a friendly work climate to achieve shared goals

Knowledge Of

• Experience working with clients involved in the criminal justice system
• Evidence-based practices related to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders
• Charting and report writing

Skill To

• Identify and effectively communicate offender behaviors, problems, and symptoms to mental health professionals
• Conduct brief screenings and appraisals

Ability To

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions
• Gather, interpret, report, and use information concerning clients
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal counseling relationships with clients
• Perform mental health screenings and appraisals
• Make recommendations and referrals when outside scope of practice
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary staff setting
• Work in a correctional facility
• Adhere to the safety and security processes of a correctional facility

What You Will Do

• Provide mental health services to offenders under supervision of mental health professionals, in compliance with mental health guidelines
• Participate in mental health treatment services and special unit management
• Provide input into mental health assessments, facilitate groups, and assist with psychiatric clinics and tele‑health sessions
• Assist in daily management and monitor assigned offenders with mental illness
• Schedule and facilitate mental health appointments
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Provide input for treatment and management planning, including observation of offender behaviors, problems, symptoms, and response to treatment interventions
• Inform offenders regarding mental healthcare supervision and treatment
• Listen to offender concerns and provide counseling, direction, and referral
• Communicate regarding complaints, problems, incidents, and offender behavioral management issues
• Respond to complaints, problems, actions, or behaviors within scope of practice
• Document electronically and maintain accurate and timely offender mental health records
• Promote and be accountable for the safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment through conscientious observations and contraband control
• Inform supervisor of any safety or security violations via report writing, attend training programs as assigned, and complete self‑defense courses as required

Qualifications

Applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in one of the following accredited mental health fields: counseling, social work, psychology, or marriage and family therapy.

Required Competencies

• Ability to provide direct mental health support services to clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively
• Ability to work independently under supervision
• Ability to provide comprehensive clinical documentation
• Ability to work with a diverse population of clients
• Ability to provide mental health support as part of a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a correctional environment
• Experience with relaxation training, social skills groups, or recreational activities
• Experience scheduling psychiatric clinics
• Experience providing supportive services and direct client care

Veterans’ Preference is eligible per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation, abuse and neglect screening, and a drug screening. Employment offers are conditional upon successful completion of these checks.

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"