Mental Health Professional; JPA

Join to apply for the Mental Health Professional (JPA) role at State of South Dakota
.

Agency:
Department of Corrections - Clinical Services

Location:

Sioux Falls, SD (Jameson Prison Annex)
Salary: $64,895.04 to $81,500.00 annual
Pay Grade: GK
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

This full‑time position is part of the Department of Corrections Behavioral Health Team. The role conducts assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and provides counseling, therapy, and support to the offender population.

• Creativity – innovative ideas to improve outcomes.
• Making a difference – opportunity to impact lives of South Dakotans.
• Professional development – training to ensure competent, accountable staff.
• Teamwork – collaborative, friendly work environment to achieve shared goals.

• Provide professional mental‑health treatment to offenders.
• Participate in 24‑hour Mental Health On‑Call Rotation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal collaboration across program and external agencies.
• Work independently with diverse offender populations.
• Comprehensive clinical documentation.
• Read and comprehend the English language; fluent communication.

• Deliver professional mental‑health services, including formal and informal evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and clinical interventions.
• Ensure accurate information system coding of mental‑health needs levels.
• Provide group, brief, individual therapy, and crisis intervention; participate in 24‑hour On‑Call Rotation.
• Authorize emergency and non‑emergency transfers for acute mental‑health needs.
• Provide clinical direction to non‑clinical staff in mental‑health care and treatment.
• Maintain continuity of care through referrals and essential documentation.
• Document electronically accurately and timely to maintain comprehensive offender records.
• Monitor offender treatment, listen to concerns, and offer counseling and direction.
• Promote safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment with vigilant observation and contraband control.
• Report safety and security violations, attend training programs, and complete self‑defense courses.

Applicant must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution in counseling, social work, psychology, or marriage and family therapy.

• Master's or doctoral degree in a qualifying mental‑health field from an accredited program (CACREP, CSWE, AAMFT/COAMFTE, APA).
• Licensure eligibility as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Psychologist.
• Experience providing mental‑health treatment in a correctional environment.

The State of South Dakota maintains a drug‑free work environment. Offers are contingent upon successful background investigation, urine drug screening, and the candidate’s ability to perform essential functions.

• May carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC/pepper spray) if desired; requires level‑1 exposure during training.
• Must pass written and practical self‑defense exam; also complete CPR to AHA guidelines (written and practical).
• Must be able to perform self‑defense physical requirements (lift arms, controlled takedown, strikes, endurance, rotations).
• New employees must complete TB screening.

0‑premium employee health insurance option; eleven paid holidays; generous vacation & sick leave accrual; dental, vision, and additional insurance options; retirement benefits under Class A SDRS.

To apply, submit an online application and resume at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). E‑mail resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

The State of South Dakota offers Veterans’ Preference. The State does not sponsor work visas and requires Verification of work eligibility. The employment agency will use E‑Verify.