Mental Health Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Essex County Correctional Facility - Newark, NJ, Position Type: Part Time, Salary Range: $38.00 - $38.00Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Position Summary

The Mental Health Specialist – MSW provides direct clinical services and support to patients within correctional or community-based healthcare settings. This role delivers comprehensive mental health care, including assessment, therapy, crisis intervention, and care coordination, while ensuring compliance with organizational policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements. The Mental Health Specialist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support patient care and program goals.

Responsibilities and Duties

· Conduct mental health assessments and develop individualized care plans for assigned patients.

· Provide individual and group therapy, psycho-educational programming, and crisis intervention as appropriate.

· Monitor patient progress and document all services in compliance with clinical, legal, and regulatory requirements.

· Participate in treatment team meetings and collaborate with interdisciplinary staff to coordinate care.

· Administer and interpret assessments, including psychosocial evaluations and other standardized mental health tools.

· Assist in the development and implementation of behavioral health programs and interventions.

· Respond to psychiatric or behavioral crises, providing timely intervention and support.

· Provide guidance, education, and support to patients, families, and staff regarding mental health needs and resources.

· Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

· Participate in professional development, training sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.

· Serve as a resource for other clinical staff regarding social work interventions, best practices, and treatment approaches.

· Perform additional duties as assigned to support clinical operations.

 
Qualifications: Education and Experience

· Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program.

· Licensed or license-eligible as an LCSW (or equivalent) in the state of practice.

· Experience providing mental health services in inpatient, outpatient, or community-based settings.

· Experience in correctional healthcare or forensic mental health environments preferred.

· Knowledge of mental health assessment tools, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and clinical documentation skills.

· Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and manage challenging or high-stress situations.

 

Skills and Competencies

· Proficient in electronic health record (EHR) documentation and standard office software.

· Ability to assess patient needs and implement appropriate interventions.

· Strong crisis management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

· High degree of professionalism, discretion, and ethical decision-making.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

· Ability to work in a correctional, institutional, or clinical setting with potential exposure to challenging patient behaviors.

· Must be able to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility as required.

· Occasional lifting of up to 25–50 pounds may be required.

· Adherence to safety and security protocols is required.