Mental Health Associate

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 26956

Agency: Department of Corrections - Behavioral Health

Location: Pierre

Salary: $23.00 - $31.00 per hour - depending on experience

Pay Grade: GH

Closing Date: 06/03/2024

This is a Full-Time 40 hours weekly position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit https://doc.sd.gov .

This position works in conjunction with our Mental Health Professionals to provide mental health services to the offender population.

Why the Department of Corrections?

At The Department Of Corrections (DOC), We Have An Opportunity To Make a Difference. As a Department Of Corrections Employee, You Will Have a Chance To Experience

• Creativity – We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes.
• Making a difference – You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of fellow South Dakotans.
• Professional development – We provide valuable trainings to ensure well-trained staff that are competent, accountable, and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals.
• Teamwork – In a team-oriented approach, you will have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a friendly work environment to achieve shared goals.
  
  

What You Will Do

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• provides mental health services to offenders under the supervision of mental health professionals and in compliance with mental health guidelines;
• participate in mental health treatment services and special unit management;
• provide input into mental health assessments, participate in recreation groups, psychiatric and tele-health sessions;
• assist in daily management and monitor assigned offenders with mental illness;
• schedule and facilitate mental health appointments;
• participate as a member of an interdisciplinary clinical team;
• provide input needed for treatment and management planning to include observations 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 and direction;
• communicate regarding complaints, problems, incidents and offender behavioral management issues; Respond to complaints, problems, actions, or behaviors within scope of practice;
• document electronically in an accurate and timely manner to maintain offender mental health records.
  
  

Qualifications

Applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in one of the following 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 across facility programs and with external agencies;
• 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 services as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• experience working in a correctional environment;
• experience in processes such as relaxation training, social skills groups, or recreational activities;
• experience scheduling psychiatric clinics;
• experience providing input needed for treatment and management planning; to include observations of behaviors, problems, symptoms, and response to treatment interventions.
  
  

Conditions Of Employment

The SD DOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, urine drug screen and the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Required

Individuals selected for the position will have the opportunity to carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC/pepper spray) if desired. If OC spray is carried, the staff carrying OC spay will be required to have direct (level 1) exposure during the training program. Individuals selected for the position must successfully complete a written and practical self-defense exam and successfully complete CPR to AHA guidelines – this includes successful completion of the practical/hands on portion as well as the written exam. Selected individuals must possess the physical ability to successfully complete the practical self-defense exam, which involves the following:

• lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
• withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions.
  
  

Additionally, TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

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

Additional Requirements: To be considered please attach your resume or curriculum vitae.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

Salary : $23 - $31