Internship Rikers Island Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hours Per Week: 40.00
Hours Per Day: 8.00
Days Per Week: 5.00
Shift Time: Days 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Schedule Notes: Must have experience with diagnosis patients. Local candidates preferred. DOC and PREA will be required to be completed through the client. Client specific request is to have an Infection Control Certificiate as well.
Location: EAST ELMHURST, NY 11370
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and Mental Health Unit Chief, the Mental Health Clinician provides high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to incarcerated adult men within the Rikers Island correctional facilities. The clinician is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, crisis interventions, treatment planning, and therapeutic services for patients presenting with a wide range of psychiatric, behavioral, and substance use concerns. This role requires a compassionate, culturally competent professional capable of working effectively within a correctional healthcare environment and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Conduct mental health evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and crisis interventions for incarcerated individuals.
• Determine and coordinate the appropriate level of mental health care for patients based on clinical needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide individual and group therapy to patients on mental health observation units and other designated areas.
• Participate in treatment planning, case conferences, and medical/mental health rounds as assigned.
• Coordinate patient care with Reentry Social Workers to ensure appropriate discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Complete and maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation and required statistical reports.
• Collaborate with the Department of Correction (DOC) to ensure patient access, safety, and appropriate housing for treatment disposition.
• Maintain compliance with institutional safety standards, including infection control, PREA, and DOC policies.
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision sessions with the Clinical Supervisor.
• Provide psychological testing or assessments as assigned.
• May supervise social work interns or student volunteers when assigned.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Unit Chief, Assistant Unit Chief, or Clinical Supervisor.
Required Skills & Experience
• Proven experience in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Strong background working with adults with behavioral challenges, substance use disorders, and severe mental illness (SMI).
• Experience in inpatient, correctional, or crisis settings preferred.
• Excellent clinical judgment, risk assessment, and crisis management skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and therapeutic boundaries in a secure facility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in clinical documentation and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
Education & Licensure
• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related mental health field – required.
• Active New York State license in one of the following – required:
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Psychologist
• Infection Control Certification – required.
• Completion of DOC and PREA training – required (post-hire, through client).
Preferred Qualifications
• 2+ years of experience providing direct mental health services to adults in correctional, inpatient, or forensic settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapeutic modalities.