New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program (OTxHU)

Since 2016, Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been the direct provider of health care in the New York City jails. Deeply committed to human dignity and patient rights, CHS is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system and is a key partner in the City’s efforts to reform the criminal-legal system. Our in-jail clinical services include medical, nursing, and mental health care; pharmacy services; substance-use treatment; social work; dental and vision care; discharge planning; and reentry support.

Given the high visibility of this initiative, we are seeking the highest caliber health care professionals in key clinical services to staff our Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units (OTxHU). To be located in three NYC Health + Hospital acute care facilities, the OTxHU is a pioneering approach to safely increasing access to high quality clinical care for patients in custody who have complicated health conditions. OTxHUs will bridge the gap in the continuum between care provided in the jails and inpatient hospitalization, with admission to and discharge from the OTxHU in accordance with a patient’s clinical needs. CHS will be the primary health care providers on these units and the NYC Department of Correction will provide security and custody management.

The OTxHU at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan will be the first of this unique, groundbreaking project to open. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate and motivated team providing care to some of the City’s most marginalized, vulnerable people.

• To help support continuity of operations and care, staff selected to work in the OTxHU may also be required to work in CHS locations within the jails. Additionally, while CHS seeks the most qualified individuals for these positions, preference will be given to equally qualified, internal candidates.

Time: 4p-12a

Days: Fri-Sun

Facility: Various Locations on Rikers Island

Purpose of Position:

This class of positions encompasses professional and/or supervisory work of varying degrees of difficulty in the practice of mental health counseling. Acts in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations and mental health standards of care. All personnel perform related work.

Under direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional, with latitude for independent judgment and decision making, performs professional work in the mental health discipline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides mental health counseling and psycho-education services to clients with less complex cases.

2. Participates in the interviewing and case history taking process by utilizing appropriate assessment and screening tools.

3. Consults with relevant mental health professionals regarding the diagnoses, prognoses, and recommendations for disposition on individual cases; contributes to the formulation of client comprehensive treatment plans.

4. Coordinates with appropriate personnel and/or departments to counsel and assist clients with the completion of applications and documentation for educational, vocational, and entitlement programs.

5. Acts as a resource to clients seeking additional support on a variety of available services within the health care setting and the community.

6. Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records and files of patient contact information, which includes consumer interactions, clinical case histories, phone contacts, agency interactions, and other related information.

7. Participates in appropriate internal and/or external training conferences.

8. May participate in treatment programs assisting other personnel and/or departments in providing counseling/therapeutic services.

9. May be assigned to coordinate and supervise the activities of support staff in related areas.

10. May be assigned to assist in the instruction and supervision of volunteers, interns, and students in the area of mental health counseling, as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and the Mental Health Unit Chief on Rikers Island, the MHC will provide quality mental health care to incarcerated individuals who need and/or want services. This position is responsible for providing assessment and counseling services to inmates.

• Conducts mental health evaluations, crisis intervention, assessments, and follow-up care.
• Determines and coordinates disposition of patients for appropriate level of mental health care
• Coordinates with Reentry Social Workers for appropriate discharge planning services
• Completes required statistical reports.
• Collaborates with the Department of Correction to ensure access to patients, proper housing, and treatment disposition.
• Coordinates patient care with other institutional programs.
• Leads group treatment on mental health observation units and other units as assigned.
• Completes all required documentation.
• Participates in clinical supervision with Clinical Supervisor at least once a week
• Participates in mental health and medical rounds as assigned.
• Participates in case conferences and treatment planning for patients receiving and being considered for mental health treatment.
• May conduct psychological testing as assigned
• May supervise social work interns or student volunteers as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Unit Chief, Assistant Unit Chief, and/or Clinical Supervisor.

Assignment Level I
1. Valid license and current registration or valid limited permit to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).