A position in the Missouri Department of Corrections is more than a job. It's a calling. Corrections employees transform lives, equipping Missourians in the criminal justice system with the skills they need to contribute to their communities, inside and outside our walls. First responders, including correctional staff, face stressful and often dangerous work environments, providing safety to the offender population, fellow staff, and the general public. This position is an opportunity to serve and support those that perform this heroic work.
We offer great benefits!Missouri State Employee Retirement System / Deferred compensation plan / Health insurance (medical, vision, dental for employees and family) / Paid life insurance / Long-term disability insurance / Cafeteria plan / Paid holidays / 10 hours annual leave per month / 10 hours sick leave per month / Uniforms provided when required / Pre-service and in-service training / Access to credit union / Direct deposit of paycheck (required) / Employee health, wellness and safety initiatives / MOST 529 College Savings Program.
Due to the hands-on, confidential nature of the position, remote work is not an option. Domiciled in the Central Region, covering counties: Clark, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, Pike, Audrain, Montgomery, Boone, Callaway, Lincoln, Warren, St. Charles, Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Miller, Camden, Benton, St. Clair, Hickory, Dallas, Laclede, Cedar, Polk, Barton, Dade, Greene, Webster, Wright, Jasper, Lawrence, Stone, Christian, Taney, Barry, McDonald, NewtonThis licensed mental health professional will effectively and confidentially triage potentially traumatic events and mental health crises for staff working in a correctional setting. This includes coordination of critical incident stress debriefings.
Will serve as a bridge between Corrections staff and the established Employee Assistance Program and other resources.
Will provide mental health support and expertise to supervisors and peers of employees who are experiencing symptoms of traumatic stress and/or mental health needs.
Will develop trauma-informed education and training for staff.
Will conduct initial screenings and make appropriate referrals to other resources or specialists as needed.
Will conduct appropriate follow-up with employees that have experienced potentially traumatic events or mental health challenges to develop an appropriate care plan.
Will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
Will guide employees in the development of skills and strategies for coping with their presenting issues.
Will encourage and facilitate an environment in Corrections that alleviates stigma related to mental health and promotes positive organizational change.
Will act as an employee advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
Will respond to traumatic events within the Corrections environment when appropriate to do so.
Will evaluate effectiveness of various mental health resources, programs and trainings in resolving identified problems and will develop a quality assurance strategy for the program.
Will prepare monthly reports and complete appropriate documentation of services provided.
Will comply with federal and state laws related to mandated reporting and protected health information.
Minimum Qualifications: Missouri Licensed mental health professional (LPC, LMSW, or LCSW), with a minimum of two years of experience in a social service or mental health, preferably forensic, corrections, law enforcement, or similar setting.
*Must be able to maintain professional license and/or certification while employed with this department*
Preferred Qualifications/Skills: - Preferred five years of experience providing therapy services to a range of individuals, addressing a wide variety of problems and disorders in a varied setting.
- A high degree of cultural competence, diverse groups, understanding of historical trauma, and background in trauma-informed care.
- On occasion, be able to flex schedule to respond on evenings or weekends
- Must be free of alcohol and chemical dependency.
- Have good written and oral communication skills
- Must be able to maintain agency and employee confidentiality.
All requested documents MUST be received by the closing date listed. Some positions are eligible for a shift differential of $173.34 semi-monthly, which is provided to employees with shifts that begin on or between 12:00pm (noon) and 5:00am, and who work at a 24/7 worksite (i.e. institution, transition center, supervision center, or command center), or whose work requires regular visits to these locations. If selected for interview, eligibility may be discussed at that time with the hiring manager.
The Department of Corrections is the only State agency that currently offers a guaranteed 1% pay increase for every two years of service up to 20 years.
The Missouri Department of Corrections is proud to have a tradition of promotion from within for employees looking for and seeking distinctive career paths. As you work for the department, we invite you to consider your goals and make choices to actively head toward them. We seek to recognize employees who serve with distinction.
