Jurisdiction:
Jurisdictional
Class: Competitive
Adopted: 10/20/05
Amended 7/15/08
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional position
involving responsibility for providing forensic counseling services to inmates
incarcerated in the Cortland County Jail.
These duties include responsibility for identifying, assessing, and
managing problems related to mental illness and disability, developing a plan
of care for inmates and their families in need of psychotherapy/counseling
services, and consulting with staff and community resource persons. Employees in this class differ from the
Certified Social Worker and Staff Social Worker positions by virtue of their
more specialized clientele with leeway allowed for independent action. The work is performed according to agency
policy, practice, and procedures under the direct supervision of the Director
of Community Mental Health Services and the general supervision of the Consulting
Psychiatrist. Employees may be required
to participate in an on-call rotation during clinic hours to respond to
emergency situations. Does related work
as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
Performs individual and or group psychotherapy as indicated in a Treatment
Plan and in consultation with a multi-disciplinary Mental Health Department
team, the Sheriff's Department staff, and other agencies as appropriate;
Performs preliminary assessments of clients requesting service per
agency and state regulations which may involve gathering specific information
as specified in the Intake Form;
Maintains all clinical records relevant to cases per clinic and state
policy;
Provides services in coordination with other services as needed (e.g.,
alcohol assessment and treatment) including discharge planning to facilitate
transition to next setting whether that be a community plan or higher level of
care.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL FULL
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of the practices and
procedures of Community Mental Health consultation and the social factors
affecting mental illness; good knowledge of Forensic Mental Health; good
knowledge of psychotherapy and psychiatric diagnostic systems; good knowledge
of psychotherapy; good knowledge of crisis intervention, good knowledge of
human development and behavior, ability to function as a member of a multi
disciplinary team for treatment plans, ability to interpret federal, state, and
local laws; regulations and procedures affecting mental health programs;
ability to prepare written records and reports; tact; physical condition
commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters degree in
Social Work, Psychology or Counseling from a school approved by the NYS
Department of Education or a limited permit to practice social work services in