Behavioral Health Practitioner

Overview

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS)

Recruitment began on March 13, 2025 and the job listing Expires on September 13, 2025.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) employs nearly 2,300 team members operating nine institutions, which house approximately 5,200 inmates, statewide. The department’s focus includes inmate programming and education, physical and behavioral health care, re-entry services, and community programs, and is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Candidates will model the NDCS values of integrity, respect, compassion, growth, and excellence as we accomplish our mission, “Keep people safe.” Information about the Department can be found at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at megan.jones@nebraska.gov.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave (24 days your first year, accruing immediately)
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible through the Federal government
• Meaningful public service — service with a purpose!
• Numerous training and development opportunities

License eligible individuals also encouraged to apply and will be considered at a lesser salary. Additional $3/hour facility differential for hours worked.

PLMHP: $24.134
LMHP: $28.312
LMHP/PLADC: $30.435
LMHP/LACD or LIMHP: $32.717

Duties

• Provide individual/group counseling and crisis intervention to inmates.
• Complete written documentation for assigned inmates in a timely manner.
• Consult with appropriate staff regarding inmate mental status and treatment progression.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Screen and refer inmates to appropriate review teams.
• Participate in the initial screening and orientation of new inmates.
• When on-call for Mental Health, provide consultation and services to inmates outside of regular hours.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BHP I: Provisional license to practice as a mental health practitioner in Nebraska. Licensure requirements pursuant to Nebraska State Statutes 38-2123 and 38-314.
• BHP II: Nebraska License as Mental Health Practitioner. Licensure requirements pursuant to Nebraska State Statutes 38-2122 and 38-316.
• BHP III: Nebraska license as Mental Health Practitioner AND Nebraska Provisional License as Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Licensure requirements pursuant to Nebraska State Statutes 38-2122, 38-2123, 38-314, and 38-316.
• BHP IV: State of Nebraska licenses as Mental Health Practitioner and Alcohol and Drug Counselor OR Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. Licensure requirements for all levels pursuant to Nebraska State Statutes 38-2122, 38-2124, and 38-316.

• Licensed as a Mental Health Practitioner or possess another license that allows the incumbent to provide the above mental health services as required by NE. Rev. Statute 38-2122. Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Human Development, Psychology, Family Relations, Vocational Rehabilitation, Art Therapy, Divinity, Human Resources, Naturopathy, Mental Health or other field approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in order to become a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner AND 3000 hours of post-degree supervised counseling experience.

Other: Proof of licensure and transcripts required prior to scheduled interview. Successful completion of background check. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of counseling theory/practices. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.