Mental Health Counselor I/II – Correctional Health (Open & Promotional)

San Mateo County Health’s Correctional Health Services Division is seeking experienced candidates for the position of Mental Health Counselor I/II – Correctional Health.

There is currently one regular vacancy serving both the Maguire Correctional Facility and Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City, CA.

In this role, you will work under the guidance of a Program Supervisor as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to adults with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and complex medical needs.

This is a unique opportunity to support individuals at a critical point in their lives, delivering impactful care that promotes stabilization, recovery, and successful re-entry into the community. The work is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring strong clinical judgment, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex and multifaceted client needs.

Key Responsibilities 

The Mental Health Counselor for Correctional Health will:

• Conduct substance use disorder assessments for newly incarcerated adults
• Provide individual and group counseling for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Develop and implement treatment and re-entry/discharge plans
• Complete CalAIM documentation to support Medi-Cal billing
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including progress notes
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team while also working independently with minimal supervision

What Sets This Role Apart

• Meaningful impact: Support individuals at a critical turning point, helping stabilize and connect them to care 
• Clinical autonomy: Apply your expertise with a high level of ownership in a dynamic environment 
• Complex, fast-paced work: Navigate diverse client needs that require strong judgment, adaptability, and prioritization

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Alcohol and Other Drug certification (e.g., CADC, CCAPP) – highly desirable
• Experience with CalAIM services and Medi-Cal documentation
• Experience conducting ASAM assessments
• Experience working in correctional or other locked settings
• Demonstrated experience supporting adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Strong skills in treatment planning and re-entry/discharge coordination
• Ability to provide individual and group counseling services
• Experience working with diverse populations using culturally responsive approaches
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.