MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST

Overview

FLSA: EXEMPT This is a professional Master’s degree–level clinical position within the Integrated Support & Recovery Services (ISRS) section of the La Crosse County Human Services Department. The primary role of this position is to provide clinical services to justice-involved individuals participating in re-entry programs. Responsibilities include conducting substance use assessments, delivering individual and group therapy, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing support to promote successful community reintegration.

The employee will also offer mental health services for individuals experiencing needs such as suicide risk, crisis concerns, or other behavioral health challenges. Services may be delivered in correctional settings, community-based environments, or other locations aligned with business operations.

Administrative oversight is provided by the Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Abuse Clinic Administrator, in collaboration with re-entry program leadership and justice system partners. Clinical supervision will be provided as required for credentialing and professional development.

Essential Leadership Functions 

Act with Integrity and Build Trust 

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions. 
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints. 
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives. 

Drive for Results 

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes. 
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results. 
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring. 

Develop Talent and Effective Teams 

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth. 
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential. 
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team. 

Lead with Vision and Strategy 

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals. 
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives. 
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully. 

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking 

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives. 
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment. 
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others. 

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships 

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization. 
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking. 
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders. 

 Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service 

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community. 
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes. 
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization. 

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence 

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations. 
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks. 
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others. 

Essential Job Functions

Responsibilities include conducting substance use and mental health assessments and services to individuals incarcerated in the La Crosse County Jail and individuals associated with Outpatient Clinic.

Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical assessments to address identified mental health and substance use needs.

Delivers counseling, therapeutic services, and care coordination in person or through telehealth; ensures accurate documentation, reporting, and charting.

Provides clinical support, education, and training to part-time clinicians, social workers, and interns.

Collaborates with the Re-Entry Coordinator to support transition planning and connection to community resources for individuals preparing for release.

Participates as an engaged team member, contributing authentically to discussions and decision-making.

May provide administrative supervision of interns, consistent with educational and licensure requirements.

Demonstrates reliability by maintaining regular attendance and responsible use of leave.

Related job functions

Based on jail needs and employee licensure, this role will support Integrated Support and Recovery Services (ISRS) programs (e.g., Outpatient Clinic, Crisis, Comprehensive Community Services) providing similar clinical services such as assessment, treatment planning, supervision, and counseling.

This description is not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned as appropriate to meet business needs.

Physical demands

Most work occurs in an office or jail setting, involving frequent sitting, communication, and computer use. The position requires occasional standing, bending, reaching, and movement throughout the facility or to other sites. Lifting light office materials (e.g., files, paper) is required. Minimal risk of exposure to hostile behavior from clients.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of clinical assessment, treatment planning, documentation standards, and evidence-based practices for mental health and substance use.

Proficiency in suicide and substance use assessments and understanding of psychotropic medications.

Ability to provide constructive clinical direction and support to staff and interns.

Typical Work Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; However, ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet client needs.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, or a closely related field.

Wisconsin clinical licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) required or the ability to obtain prior to hire. Applicants with in‑training licenses (APSW, LPC‑IT, MFT‑IT) are encouraged to apply; clinical supervision toward full licensure is available. Must have training and demonstrate competence in substance use disorder (AODA) assessment and treatment, consistent with scope of practice.

Must maintain licensure per Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requirements.

Preference for someone who holds a Wisconsin Clinical Supervisory License.

Proficiency in computer use and data entry.

Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Experience in mental health or substance use treatment settings, preferably with justice-involved populations.

Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing or other evidence-based practices for co-occurring disorders.