IOWA (ICD) – The Iowa Department of Corrections has declined to say how or why it hired an unlicensed mental health counselor at a time when the man was facing disciplinary charges.
State records show that in August 2023, the Iowa Board of Behavioral Professionals fielded a complaint of an undisclosed nature about Keith R. Keller, whose social work license had expired in December 2022.
The board alleges that one year after receiving the complaint, in August 2024, an investigator checked the website of Keller’s employer in southeast Iowa and saw the organization was promoting Keller as a currently licensed social worker specializing in therapy related to individuals, couples, adolescents and substance abuse.
According to the board, Keller acknowledged his lack of license and explained to the investigator he was concerned about his ability to pass an examination for licensure…