Behavioral Health Counselor

BASIC FUNCTION:

Providing a comprehensive interdisciplinary services to clients with mental health, substance or alcohol abuse and co-occurring disorders. Responsible for conducting initial assessments, evaluations and interpretation in developing appropriate interventions and/or treatment/recovery plan for client through individual or group therapy plans. An understanding in the concepts related to cultural components, medical and social factors influencing the lives of persons who are suffering from substance or alcohol abuse and mental health issues as well as how it affects on families. Knowledge and experience in clinical interviewing practices and procedures; working with diverse mental health issues including trauma, ability to effectively communicate the goals of the treatment program to clients, maintain effective relationships with community organizations and agencies, addictions screening and generate referrals as required. Facilitate an effective interpersonal relationships with clients, families and community in maximizing continued interest while keeping professional boundaries.  Skills in organizing, planning, and facilitating support/therapy groups. Ability to complete accurate documentation such as but limited to, comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, correspondences, group therapy notes, and all other required documentation per the established policies, procedures and requirements related to client electronic medical record keeping.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILTY:

1. Provides direct outpatient psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families and groups, by performing mental health and substance abuse assessments, develop and implement treatment plans and evaluate treatment outcomes with the ability to assess both mental health and substance abuse diagnoses.
2. Develop and facilitate individual and group sessions according to the needs of the client population as well as be able to facilitate these groups including both mental health and substance abuse counseling, using a multi-modality approach.
3. Provide counseling for all areas of mental illness including but not limited to individual, marital/family dysfunction, child abuse/neglect and substance issues (including urine drug screens as indicated).
4. Provides substance abuse/addictions education to clients and families.
5. Recommends and arranges referral for specialized treatment and provides follow up care.
6. Is able to connect clients with outside resources including sober support groups and activities.

1. Functions as a primary therapist and case manager for given number of clients.
2. Participates in case conference and provides consultation to other professional staff.
3. Follows all policies of the SNHS and Behavioral Health Unit, including maintenance strict confidentiality, up to date clinical records, and other documentation as required.
4. Provides pre-admission screening and aftercare counseling in conjunction with community-based clinics.
5. Attend all mandatory staff meetings and in-services.
6. Work to promote a cooperative staff efforts to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians, and other staff to assure quality patient care.
7. Works within the parameters of managed care.
8. Implements approved methods of treatment to meet goals and objectives, with completed regular reporting requirements.
9. Unrestricted professional licensure should be active without insurance issues or concerns.
10. Required to travel as needed for departmental operational demands.
11. Follows all established SNHS policies.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related Human Services field with ability to obtain licensure. Preferably NYS licensed LCSW-R, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC with 1-2 years supervised working experience. Or a combination of degree with CASAC-T or CASAC with 2-3 years direct clinical field supervision. Candidate must have ability to work with all ages, possess knowledge of the counseling process to meet the needs of awareness of family systems, brief therapy techniques, and treatment of substance abuse/dependence, family violence, and sexual abuse. Experience working within managed care system helpful. Valid NYS driver’s license required.

Salary : $29