Walton County Sheriff's Office - Behavioral Health Counselor

Position Summary 

The Behavioral Health Counselor provides professional mental health services to inmates within the Walton County Jail. Responsibilities include assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment and discharge plans; providing individual and group counseling; and delivering crisis intervention and therapeutic support. The counselor collaborates with medical, correctional, and community resources to ensure continuity of care and successful re-entry planning. This position requires maintaining accurate clinical documentation and adherence to all applicable laws, standards, and agency policies. Dependable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this role.

Qualifications

• Education – master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work or related field
• Experience – One (1) year experience in the counseling or mental health field
• *Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.
• Valid Driver License

Essential Job Functions

•  This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
• Conducts comprehensive psychological assessments, diagnostics, and treatment planning for inmates.
• Provides individual and group counseling utilizing appropriate therapeutic techniques and interventions.
• Administers, scores, and interprets psychological tests in accordance with established protocols and the DSM-5.
• Observes, assesses, and documents patient symptoms, reactions, and progress to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Develops and adjusts individualized treatment plans and therapeutic approaches based on patient needs and responses.
• Provides therapeutic crisis intervention and emergency behavioral health services as required.
• Consults and collaborates with medical staff, correctional personnel, and external agencies to ensure continuity of care.
• Facilitates patient education sessions and re-entry planning to support rehabilitation and transition.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and confidential documentation within patient health records and case management systems.
• Demonstrates effective communication and writing skills in documentation, reporting, and case coordination.
• Applies knowledge of clinical operations, counseling methods, and behavioral health protocols in daily practice.
• Works effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying mental health needs.
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and continuing education to maintain professional competency.
• Adheres to all applicable laws, correctional health standards, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
• Maintains regular and dependable attendance as an essential function of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Proficient in psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation in accordance with DSM-5 standards.
• Skilled in a wide range of counseling and therapeutic techniques for individual and group settings.
• Strong interviewing and diagnostic abilities to identify psychological and developmental issues.
• Excellent written communication skills for documentation, reporting, and correspondence.
• Competent in clinical operations, behavioral health procedures, and treatment planning.
• Ability to accurately assess patient presentation and develop individualized treatment goals.
• Proficiency in evaluating treatment progress and making necessary therapeutic modifications.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record patient symptoms and progress with attention to clinical detail.
• Skill in crisis management and the delivery of therapeutic interventions under pressure.

Key Competencies

• Clinical Judgment – Demonstrates sound decision-making in assessment and treatment planning.
• Empathy and Compassion – Maintains a supportive, patient-centered approach with individuals in crisis.
• Communication – Communicates clearly and effectively with patients, staff, and external partners.
• Ethical Practice – Adheres to confidentiality standards, professional ethics, and legal requirements.
• Collaboration – Works effectively within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate patient care.
• Adaptability – Adjusts therapeutic approaches and communication style to meet diverse patient needs.
• Professionalism – Maintains composure and objectivity in a correctional environment.
• Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy in patient documentation and clinical reporting.
• Cultural Competence – Respects and values diversity in working with individuals from varied backgrounds.

Physical Requirements

• Sit up to 6 hours per day.
• Stand up to 4 hours per day.
• Walk up to 4 hours per day.
• Frequently lift up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• Frequently bend, reach, or twist.
• Work performed in a correctional facility environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases and disruptive or hostile behavior.
• Possible contact with biohazard materials, cleaning agents, and disinfectants.
• May experience moderate noise levels and variable indoor temperatures.
• Requires adherence to strict security and safety protocols.
• Requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, color perception, and depth perception.
• Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate clearly with patients, staff, and law enforcement personnel.
• Manual dexterity adequate for operating computers, phones, and standard office or medical equipment.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.