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Mental Health Specialist III - Job Opportunity at Cook County Health & Hospitals System

Chicago, United States
Full-time
Senior
Posted: March 15, 2025
On-site
USD 75,000 - 95,000 annually based on Chicago market rates for senior mental health professionals in correctional settings

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with competitive terms
Basic term life insurance providing essential financial protection
Robust pension plan with employer contributions and deferred compensation options
Professional employee assistance program for work-life balance
Generous PTO including paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
100% tuition reimbursement specifically for nursing-related education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility offering significant student debt relief

Key Responsibilities

Lead diagnostic assessments and treatment planning for mentally ill detainees within correctional facility
Provide crisis intervention and risk management in critical patient situations
Develop and implement evidence-based therapeutic programs using CBT principles
Supervise and mentor junior staff and trainees in mental health service delivery
Participate in multidisciplinary team coordination and treatment planning
Conduct specialized rounds in Special Management Units (SMUs)
Document and maintain detailed clinical records following departmental protocols

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from an accredited university/college

Experience

Four (4) years of direct clinical services work experience in mental health preferred

Required Skills

Diagnostic and assessment expertise using DSM Clinical documentation and treatment planning Crisis intervention and risk assessment Individual and group therapy facilitation Team leadership and supervision Communication and interpersonal skills Evidence-based practice implementation

Certifications

State of Illinois licensed mental health professional (LSW, LCSW, LPC, or LCPC)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Growing focus on mental health services in correctional facilities due to increasing awareness of inmate mental health needs Shift towards evidence-based practices and CBT in correctional mental health treatment Increasing demand for specialized correctional mental health professionals due to prison reform initiatives

Role Significance

Typically part of a multidisciplinary team of 10-15 mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric staff
Senior-level position with significant clinical authority and supervisory responsibilities in a complex correctional healthcare environment

Key Projects

Implementation of evidence-based treatment programs for inmate population Crisis intervention protocol development and execution Staff training and development initiatives Quality improvement projects in correctional mental health services

Success Factors

Strong understanding of correctional environment dynamics and security protocols Ability to balance clinical best practices with institutional constraints Excellence in crisis management and quick decision-making Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations Strong documentation and risk management skills

Market Demand

High demand with growing need for specialized correctional mental health professionals, particularly those with dual expertise in clinical practice and correctional environments

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnosis in correctional setting Crisis intervention and risk management Evidence-based treatment implementation Professional documentation and communication Team leadership and supervision

Beneficial Skills

Spanish, Polish, or Arabic language skills Experience with correctional populations Program development expertise Quality improvement methodology Cultural competency

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to combine clinical expertise with correctional healthcare experience
Strong union presence through SEIU 73 providing additional job security and benefits
Exposure to complex cases and diverse patient population
Opportunity to influence correctional mental health treatment standards

Career Growth

2-4 years in role before advancement, depending on performance and organizational opportunities

Potential Next Roles

Chief Correctional Psychologist Mental Health Services Director Clinical Program Manager Correctional Healthcare Administrator

Company Overview

Cook County Health & Hospitals System

Cook County Health & Hospitals System is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the United States, serving a diverse urban population with comprehensive medical services

Leading provider of correctional healthcare services in Illinois with significant influence on correctional mental health treatment standards
Major employer in Chicago metropolitan area with strong connections to academic and healthcare institutions
Professional environment emphasizing evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning
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