Lead Counselor

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing a treatment caseload in the accountability court program and providing support to the treatment staff. The incumbent will work with individuals diagnosed with substance use or other mental health disorders. The incumbent provides counseling services by facilitating group and individual therapy sessions, record keeping, and oversight of treatment plan progress. This position provides support and professional guidance to the treatment staff and makes treatment recommendations to the Accountability Court team. This position is responsible for coordinating weekly treatment schedules and assignments to counselors, conducting monthly audits of clinical files to ensure proper documentation and delivery of services per agency policy, and follow-up with counselors regarding findings of audits. This position works under the supervision of the program coordinator. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facilitates groups and individualized counseling sessions for program participants

Utilizes and maintains fidelity to evidence-based curriculums and modalities for all group and individual therapy

Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of group process and counseling theory/technique as related to mental illness, substance use and developmental disability 

Provides psychoeducation instruction in areas such as social skills, communication skills, parenting skills, mental illness management, relapse prevention, and drug and alcohol education

Develops and implements appropriate therapeutic activities and/or programs. Assists in curriculum development and implementation

Assists the Program Coordinator in making recommendations regarding adjustments to the treatment model

Makes appropriate treatment recommendations based on a participant’s individual needs while operating within the boundaries of the court

Assists in the collection of such data and research as needed to facilitate the most current and effective treatment possible utilizing available resources

Assigns weekly group schedule and distributes curriculum and exercise to counselors 

Conducts regular appraisals of therapeutic skills and effectiveness of all staff. Conducts monthly audits of clinical files to ensure proper documentation and delivery of services per agency policy. Meets with counselors to review findings of audit and develop plans for correction as needed. Ensures fidelity of evidence-based curriculums by direct observation of program counselors.

Ensures the proper maintenance of caseload files/participant records per agency requirements including:

• Individualized treatment planning
• Program and phase orientation paperwork
• Assessments
• Clinical progress notes
• Client contact notes
• Discharge planning
• Participant compliance to program requirements
• Crisis interventions and referral processes
• Medical records
• Discharge planning

Facilitates daily debriefing before and after group sessions with program counselors and contracted treatment providers

Keeps Program Coordinator updated with program issues regardless of business hours

May be required to conduct assessments as needed

Attends status review meetings and court session as scheduled

Assigns case load for program counselors

Communicates and receives treatment updates from contracted treatment providers

Assists with drug screen collection as needed.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Social Work, or other related field; Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker, Professional Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist; supplemented by one year previous experience in professional therapeutic services to individuals with substance abuse, mental health, or co-occurring disorders and one year of personnel supervision or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job. 

Licenses and Certifications:

Must maintain all professionally related certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General knowledge of County organizational structure and complex Treatment Services operations;

Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communications; 

Extensive experience and skill in developing effective working relationships with other departments and the general public; 

Demonstrated skill in developing and maintaining positive customer relations; 

Extensive skill in operating a personal computer, various software applications, Internet, multimedia programs, and calculator. 

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.