Job Description

The Corrections Medicine- Director of Social Services is responsible for overseeing and managing mental health services within the Buzz Westfall Justice Center. This role involves developing and implementing mental health programs, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, precepting social work students, and providing leadership to a multidisciplinary team. The Director will work collaboratively with corrections staff and external stakeholders to promote the mental well-being of incarcerated individuals.


The starting salary will be between $74,401.60 - $89,273.60 annually and will be based on experience and qualifications.



As an employer, St. Louis County cares about the health and well-being of our employees. In an effort to provide for the best possible work-life balance, the County offers a generous benefit package which includes affordable health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 4 weeks of Paid Time Off the first year, 11 paid holidays, deferred benefit retirement plan, paid life insurance as well as short and long term disability. A full listing of benefits is available under the benefit tab at the top of this page.

Examples of Duties

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Essential Functions

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Program Development and Management:*
+ Design, implement, and evaluate mental health programs tailored to the needs of the correctional population.
+ Ensure that services are evidence-based and aligned with best practices in mental health care

Team Leadership:*
+ Supervise and support mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counselors.
+ Provide training and development opportunities to enhance staff skills and knowledge.

Clinical Oversight:*
+ Monitor and review mental health assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes to ensure quality care.
+ Facilitate clinical supervision and case consultation for team members.

Compliance and Reporting:*
+ Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as facility policies regarding mental health services.
+ Prepare reports and documentation related to program outcomes, incidents, and compliance.

Crisis Intervention:*
+ Oversee crisis intervention strategies and ensure appropriate responses to mental health emergencies.



Provide direct support during critical incidents involving mental health issues.

Minimum Qualifications

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Requires a Master's Degree, five years of related experience, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Skills and Abilities

Experience working in a clinical or community mental health setting. Knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic modalities and interventions. Strong communication, interpersonal, and crisis management skills. Empathy and compassion for individuals with behavioral health challenges. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Strong assessment and diagnostic skills. Proficiency in clinical documentation and record-keeping. Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations.

Additional Information

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SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT

A selection committee will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant which will include recentness and appropriateness of the applicant's education and experience, answers to the supplemental questions, results of employment references investigated and any other appropriate information available. The selection committee will admit to the interview only those persons who possess the most job-related qualifications and may establish admittance criteria beyond the minimum qualifications stated above. The interview will comprise 100% of the applicant's earned grade. A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment. After initial interviews with the selected candidates are conducted, an email will be sent to the address on file with instructions on how to complete and submit a Conviction Questionnaire. Candidates have 3 days to complete the required questionnaire. The five top ranking candidates, based on the final grade, will be certified to the Department Director/Appointing Authority who will make the final decision.



All applicants conditionally offered a merit position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Screening will be performed by a reputable clinical laboratory. The cost of screening will be covered by the County.

St. Louis County offers its employees many excellent benefits with paid medical insurance, 20 days of PTO (paid time off) the first year and increasing with seniority, and 11-12 paid holidays. Employees hired for full time employment will participate in the St. Louis County retirement plan where they contribute 4% of their salary to the defined benefit plan with vesting after 7 years. Other benefits include: paid life insurance, a credit union, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, pre-tax premium pay plan, dependent care and medical expense reimbursement plans, and short and long term disability insurance.



In addition to these benefits, as of January 1, 2023, St. Louis County approved up to 480 hours of paid parental leave for eligible employees welcoming new children, either by birth or adoption. The employee can also take up to 80 hours of leave for prenatal care and up to 80 hours for care of the child within the first year.