Mental Health Group Technician: Lawrenceville Correctional Center

Title: Mental Health Group Technician: Lawrenceville Correctional Center

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $41,608 - $64,909

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Eastern Regional Office

Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position will be located at Lawrenceville Correctional Center located at 1607 Planters Rd, Lawrenceville, VA 23868.

Provides group support services to clinical staff in the Mental Health Department including psycho-educational programming, recreational activities and oversight of the offender work force assigned to mental health as Mental Health Assistants.

Enters relevant data into CORIS and other databases to track group programming assignment and attendance as well as master pass lists.

Completes documentation in offender medical records and ensures that documentation is completed by the end of the workday.

Participates in the Interdisciplinary team meetings for the Mental Health Units and implements programming that the team assigns for him to conduct.

Reports critical mental health needs immediately to MH Director or designee as soon as possible. May be involved with special projects or programs.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Valid driver’s license.

Training and experience in provision of group programming, including psychoeducational and recreational activities.

Relevant professional experience and understanding of confidentiality of sensitive and protected offender information. Considerable working knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and warning signs to be aware of for mental deterioration.

Ability to participate in treatment team meeting to support the team’s goals and objectives by offering group programs and activities that offenders find engaging and are educational and therapeutic in nature.

Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher and a professional email client (e.g., Outlook, Gmail, etc.).

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Additional Considerations

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Psychology or a related field; an equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for education.

Experience working with psychiatric patients in an outpatient, inpatient and correctional setting.

Experience providing psychoeducational programming, recreational activities and assisting with planning activities for a milieu. Experience in assisting with goal and objectives setting.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process (AHP): In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, DOC encourages individuals with disabilities to apply through the AHP. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800- 552-5019.

Contact Information

Name: Christina Payne

Phone: (804) 971-6084

Email: Applications submitted via email will not be accepted

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.