Mental Health Director

Overview

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Licensed Psychologist to serve as Mental Health Director at the Middlesex County Jail in North Brunswick, New Jersey.

This leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced psychologist who is ready to combine clinical expertise with program leadership in a unique healthcare environment. As the Mental Health Director, you will oversee the facility’s mental health program, provide clinical guidance and support to the mental health team, and collaborate with medical and correctional professionals to ensure patients receive high-quality, coordinated mental health care.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead and develop mental health services while continuing to make a direct impact on a diverse patient population with complex behavioral health needs.

Pay: $72.29–$76.10/hour, based on experience and site needs. Schedule and hours vary based on coverage needs and can be discussed during the interview.

Responsibilities

The Mental Health Director provides clinical and operational leadership for the facility’s mental health program while ensuring patients receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity, and health. This position oversees mental health services, supports and develops clinical staff, coordinates patient care, and helps ensure compliance with applicable clinical and correctional healthcare standards. Duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Developing, implementing, and overseeing mental health programs and services
• Providing clinical leadership and guidance to the facility’s mental health team
• Performing and documenting mental health evaluations and ensuring accurate and timely clinical documentation
• Facilitating treatment related to admission and discharge from the mental health unit, housing changes, seclusion, suicide precautions, close observation, and observation-level changes
• Demonstrating knowledge of DSM-5 criteria
• Collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, medical professionals, and correctional staff to ensure coordinated patient care
• Managing mental health staff, including training and development, recruiting, hiring, and onboarding
• Developing and managing program budgets and utilizing resources effectively
• Responding to mental health crises and providing immediate clinical support and stabilization
• Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care
• Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, including applicable ACA and NCCHC standards

Qualifications

Experience / Requirements / Qualifications

• Licensed Psychologist (PhD in Psychology required) with active, unrestricted professional licensure in the state of New Jersey. 

• Must possess an active BLS/CPR Certification (AHA preferred)

• A minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in management with correctional healthcare experience preferred
• Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
• Correctional mental health professionals must be able to remain calm under pressure while assess patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
• Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
• Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

• Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
• Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
• Lowest Cost Benefits!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral bonuses
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
• Generous paid time off & paid holidays
• Free continuing education and CMEs

Want a better idea of what it’s like to work in a jail? See what our Licensed Counselors do:

NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube 

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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