Options Counselor - Behavioral Health

GENERAL SUMMARY:

· Act as a Screener to determine eligibility for Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Children’s Area, and other related programs offered through Milwaukee County.

· Perform other related duties as assigned for the overall purpose of the program and vision and mission of Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Area and St. Charles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Meet with and interview youth, family and/or young adult to evaluate need for voluntary programs under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Children’s Area enrollment. Initiate assessment of needs, strengths and services for potential case plan. Assess mental health needs of youth and family members.

· Accurately share programming options and partner with youth, family and/or young adult to determine enrollment decision based on eligibility, best fit and family choice.

· Consult with appropriate administrative and/or clinical staff about recommendations regarding DHHS Children’s Area enrollment and potential treatment considerations, including need for additional clinical staffing post-enrollment (i.e. High Risk list status).

· Review referral information on youth, check for accuracy and completeness. Review psychological information, police reports, school reports, and past hospitalization records to assess for appropriateness for DHHS Children’s Area.

· Make all referrals for out-of-home placement (i.e. residential treatment, group home or foster home placement) and psychological evaluations, if applicable.

· Complete all documentation in appropriate systems (i.e. Synthesis, Scripts, Avatar, etc.) with a strength-based lens, taking into account family voice, while remaining accurate. All documentation must be completed in a timely manner. Documentation may include, but is not limited to: Progress Notes, Screening Form, Court Letters, Critical Incident Reports, and Consents.

· Become certified in the Wisconsin Functional Screen, and complete as needed. Obtain additional certifications as needed (i.e. Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndrome).

· Professionally communicate with, and obtain records as needed from internal staff, system partners, legal parties and referral sources.

· Attend and testify at court hearings on all referrals with court involvement. Obtain and process court orders for Wraparound to ensure smoothness of enrollment. Act as a representative of DHHS Children’s Area at Children’s Court or wherever assigned.

· Provide coverage to peers as needed.

· Participate as a representative on the Resource & Referral Line as needed. Attend and complete any necessary related trainings.

· Adheres to all St. Charles and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) policies and procedures.

· Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field.

· Experience in Human Services, Crisis services, and/or Case Management preferred. Minimum one year of total experience across three areas required.

· Experience with Disabilities Services, Youth Justice and/or Child Welfare system preferred.

· Able to effectively communicate in languages other than English a plus.

· Experience in reviewing and determining program eligibility requirements a plus.

· Knowledge and experience in CLTS/CCOP/Wraparound/REACH/CCS programming a plus.

· Excellent verbal and written skills; able to demonstrate the ability to work and communicate clearly and effectively with families dealing with challenging situations, and related system partners.

· Ability to display cultural humility by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each.

· Excellent critical thinking; able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

· Highly developed organizational skills and able to manage multiple priorities.

· Knowledge and experience in using Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Outlook, as well as general office equipment.

· Ability to work effectively and efficiently in remote locations.

· Valid Drivers license and liability Insurance

· Ability to transport clients as determined by program needs

WORKING CONDITIONS

· Work is generally performed in community settings, including family homes, placement facilities (group homes, residential centers, foster homes), or system partner facilities.

· Frequent walking, sitting, standing required.

· Flexible hours required as dictated by program needs, including evenings/weekends.

· May be exposed to infectious diseases.

· Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

· Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the above is intended to summarize the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of miscellaneous duties and responsibilities that may be requested in the performance of this position.

St. Charles Youth & Family Services, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Social Services: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License & Auto Insurance (Required)

Work Location: In person