Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or closely related field of study.
2. Have had two (2) years of full-time work experience providing counseling in a mental health, substance abuse, educational or correctional setting.
NOTE: A Master's degree in one of the academic fields listed above may be substituted for one year of experience.
Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law and liquor law. Generally, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying.)
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.
A background investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, criminal, military, or other personal records. Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff Office before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision. Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Conducts interviews to assess the mental and physical health of inmates in order to determine a program/treatment plan and cell placement if appropriate. Refers inmates to consulting psychiatrist or other jail services such as chaplain, jail clinic, substance abuse, support groups, etc.
Provides crisis intervention on an emergency basis as referred by the jail staff, inmate, inmate's family, or others.
Identifies suicidal inmates and determines cell placement and level of suicide watch.
Performs a variety of inmate assessments, which include suicide watch and behavioral reviews, disciplinary/administrative segregation cell placement.
Provides individual and group counseling, including cell counseling, relative to situational, interpersonal, and mental health problems.
Monitors inmates presenting unusual behavioral or health issues and ensures that inmate receives appropriate care.
Maintains timely documentation of all client and related contacts.
Contacts inmate's family and other parties in order to gather additional information and to offer assistance in the form of family counseling and/or referral to community services.
Confers with corrections staff and probation staff regarding issues of a particular case and/or provides specific recommendations.
Consults with health professionals and/or psychiatrist relative to case progress, current treatment, and future treatment for inmates on caseload.
Remains available for crisis intervention counseling in response to inmate emergencies, which may occur beyond normal office hours and/or during weekends on a rotating schedule with the other Inmate Caseworkers.
Coordinates forensic evaluations and hospitalization of inmates. Ensures inmate's appointment and timely documentation with the court and facilitates transportation arrangements when needed.
Conducts pre‑release group counseling with inmates to prepare them for release and make referrals to community agencies as needed.
Arranges and monitors on‑going pre-release and arranges post‑release human services for inmates such as mental health counseling, employment, education, housing, etc. when appropriate.
May participate in the implementation of new departmental programming.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical correctional institution environment.
May encounter situations where people could become confrontational.
May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Considerable familiarity with correctional institutions and the criminal justice system.
Considerable experience and skill in interviewing and counseling practices, procedures, and techniques.
Reasonable knowledge of correction practices, procedures, and resources, including casework, group work and community organization methods.
Reasonable ability to prepare and present clinical written and oral reports.
Reasonable ability to work with and gain the cooperation of criminal offenders.
Reasonable ability to communicate under adverse conditions with distressed people.
Reasonable ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with people.
Reasonable ability to cope with difficult situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with departmental policies and objectives.
Reasonable ability to formulate plans of social and economic rehabilitation for individual cases.
Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
*If applicable
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.