Nurse Counselor (BJA)

Position Summary:  
The Nurse Counselor serves as a member of the Treatment team of WestCare Tennessee. We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Nurse Counselor to provide healthcare and mental health support to individuals who are justice impacted individual in Cocke County jail. This role combines nursing care with counseling to address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of individuals who are justice impacted, ensuring continuity of care and promoting rehabilitation. The ideal candidate will have experience in correctional healthcare, mental health nursing, or substance use counseling, with a strong commitment to providing equitable care to communities with limited access to resources. 

Key Responsibilities: 
Healthcare & Nursing Duties: 

•  Conduct medical and mental health assessments upon intake and throughout incarceration.
•    Provide wound care, chronic disease management, and health education.
•  Respond to medical emergencies and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers for referrals and specialized care.

Counseling & Mental Health Support: 

• Provide individual counseling sessions to address mental health, substance use, and behavioral concerns.
• Facilitate group sessions on topics such as coping skills, relapse prevention, and stress management.
•  Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with medical and mental health teams.
• Offer suicide risk assessments and implement safety protocols for at-risk individuals.
•   Educate justice involved individuals on mental wellness and encourage engagement in rehabilitation programs.

Collaboration & Compliance: 

• Work closely with correctional officers, social workers, and medical providers to ensure incarcerated individuals well-being.
•   Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely medical records in compliance with HIPAA and facility policies.
•     Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding Department of Corrections (DOC) healthcare and counseling services.
•   Participate in staff training on mental health awareness, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care.

Administration Functions: 

• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, and goals of WestCare Tennessee.
• Align clinical and treatment approach with WestCare Tennessee values, ethics, and code of business.
• Collaborate with other clinical staff, including MAT Medical Doctor, Clinical Compliance Director, Psychiatrists and/or Psychologists, LCSW and/or LPC to ensure holistic care for each client or participant.
• Communicate with the case management, who will provide referrals and follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in team meetings, contributing to discussions about treatment planning, client or participant progress, and clinical concerns.
• Maintain current knowledge of state and federal regulations related to mental health and substance use care.
• Make recommendations to the Clinical Compliance Director and TN Regional Administrator on staffing to provide safe and effective care to individuals.
• Facilitate peer review of individuals files on designated times and provide written report of performance and corrective action to Project Director, as required.
• Develop and implement compliance standards for grant programs.
• Through community efforts, assist in implementing a public health approach that blends community-based prevention with proven methods that ensure effective treatment
• Maintain strong professional relationship boundaries with individuals served and organizations/ community agencies who refer individuals to WestCare Tennessee.
• Review all curricula, training resources and program material for cultural and linguistically appropriateness.
• Perform additional tasks that support a productive office workflow as deemed necessary by the BJA program.

Qualifications: 

• Required: Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with an active state license.
• Preferred: Additional certification or experience in mental health counseling, substance use treatment, or correctional nursing.
• Experience working in a correctional, rural, or underserved healthcare setting is highly desirable.
• Strong assessment, crisis intervention, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment and maintain professional boundaries.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience and Competencies: 

• Experience collaborating with individuals suffering from substance and/or alcohol use is required.
• Experience working in a similar role is preferred.
• The ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, volunteers, clients and families is required.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and train required.
• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations is required.
• Skilled in conflict resolution required.
• Ability to work well, both individually and as part of a team required.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously required.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion required.
• Adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct required.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Some experience with Clinical Database Systems.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Ability to stay highly organized and maintain time management.
• Ability to utilize a computer and software that includes Microsoft 365.

Working Conditions:

• Secure jail facility with direct justice involved interaction.
• Exposure to individuals with complex medical, mental health, and substance use issues.
• Some activities with travel will be required.
• Some travel will be required for training and conferences.
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment