Mental Health Counselor

Nolanso; Sweetwater (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield)

Dental insurance

Life insurance coverage

Paid time off including holidays and sick leave

Retirement benefits with matching contributions

Job summary

Nolanso is seeking a Mental Health Counselor in Sweetwater, Texas, to provide vital mental health services in a county jail setting. Responsibilities include assessing inmates' mental health, providing counseling, and developing treatment plans. Candidates must possess relevant licensure in Texas and hold a degree in Counseling or a related field. The position offers a monthly salary of $4,291.67 after probation, health benefits, and a strong retirement plan with matching contributions.

Qualifications

• Valid Texas driver's license is required.
• Experience in correctional, clinical, or crisis intervention settings is preferred.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screening, and evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of inmates' mental health status.
• Provide counseling and crisis intervention services.
• Create and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Assessment skills

Counseling

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work

Current Texas licensure as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT

Job description

Role Overview

The Mental Health Counselor provides mental health services to inmates within the county jail, including assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and treatment planning. This position plays a critical role in maintaining inmate well‑being, supporting facility safety, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of inmates' mental health status.
• Provide counseling and crisis intervention services.
• Create and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Maintain inmate well‑being and support facility safety.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Schedule

Standard 5‑day (40‑hour) work week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with two days off and one hour for meal break. The employee must be available for call‑outs at the facility, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $4,291.67 monthly (after probation) or $24.76 per hour. Annual certified salary $51,500.00. Probationary period of 6 months with a $50.00 monthly reduction. Paydays are biweekly; if a payday falls on a holiday or weekend, payroll is processed on the preceding business day.

Paid overtime is compensated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. Long‑term service pays $5.00 per month for each year of service after 5 years, $10.00 per year for 6–10 years, and $15.00 per year for 10–15 years and thereafter.

Health benefits include major medical health insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), dental insurance, and a $10,000 life insurance policy at no cost. Dependent coverage is available. Retirement benefits are provided through the Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS) with a 200% match from Nolan County.

Paid time off includes 80 hours of vacation per year (120 hours after 10 years of service), 13 paid holidays, and 8 hours of sick leave per month up to a maximum of 480 hours.

Uniforms, duty gear, radios, and body cameras are supplied. Vehicles are provided if applicable.

Eligibility Requirements

• Valid Texas driver license.
• Current licensure in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or eligibility to obtain such licensure.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Experience in a correctional, clinical, or crisis intervention setting.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background investigation, drug screening, and required psychological and medical evaluations.

Physical Demands

Work is sedentary and requires the physical ability to sit for extended periods, operate computers, telephones, radio equipment, and read and prepare reports, legal documents, and related materials. Ability to see well enough to read computer terminals and printouts is required.

Working Conditions

Primarily performed in a safe and secure office environment; duties may also be carried out within the jail facility where stressful and potentially hazardous situations may arise. Exposure to biohazards, communicable diseases, hazardous materials, chemicals, bodily fluids, sharp objects, and other risks inherent to a correctional setting is possible. Services may be required outside standard business hours.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to outline the primary duties and responsibilities associated with this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all work requirements. The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Nolan County will not discriminate in employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.