Mental Health Clinician (DOC)
Location: Washington, DC – Department of Corrections
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to delivering compassionate, culturally competent, and patient-centered healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the District. Through integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, Unity Health Care advances health equity while improving access to comprehensive whole-person care.
Unity’s Department of Corrections (DOC) Behavioral Health team provides trauma-informed, recovery-focused care to justice-involved individuals within a collaborative correctional healthcare environment focused on improving behavioral health outcomes and continuity of care.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Mental Health Program Manager, the Mental Health Clinician (DOC) provides comprehensive behavioral health and social work services within the DC Department of Corrections Mental Health Unit. This position is responsible for conducting psychosocial evaluations, developing individualized treatment and discharge plans, providing psychotherapy services, and coordinating continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.
The Mental Health Clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, correctional staff, and community resources to support high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care within a secure correctional setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial evaluations for inmates admitted to the Mental Health Unit within required timeframes
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams
- Create comprehensive discharge plans that connect patients with community-based services, Core Service Agencies, healthcare providers, and support resources
- Assist inmates with applications for identification cards, health insurance, medication assistance programs, and income assistance resources
- Provide individual and group psychotherapy services within the Mental Health Unit
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with providers, behavioral health teams, and correctional officers assigned to the unit
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with Unity Health Care and DOC policies and procedures
- Track and maintain required service and patient care data
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, treatment planning, and continuity of care initiatives
- Support trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-focused behavioral health services
- Perform additional related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field required
- Current DC license as an LPC, LICSW, LGSW, or equivalent behavioral health license required
- Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate experience in a psychiatric social work or behavioral health setting required
- Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and psychotherapy techniques
- Working knowledge of psychopharmacology and substance use treatment modalities
- Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively within a secure correctional healthcare environment
- Commitment to serving underserved and justice-involved populations
Why Join Unity?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization serving vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Washington, DC
- Make a meaningful impact providing behavioral health services within the correctional healthcare system
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary and supportive behavioral health environment
- Access opportunities for professional growth, continuing education, mentorship, and leadership development
- Participate in innovative, recovery-focused behavioral health initiatives serving justice-involved populations
- Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a team-oriented work culture
- Contribute to an organization committed to compassion, health equity, and whole-person care
