Advanced Professional Counselor (Spanish/English Bilingual)

State of Connecticut•Bridgeport, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) is hiring for a bilingual Spanish/English Advanced Professional Counselor. This role is part of the Mobile Crisis Team and involves providing highly skilled clinical work to individuals experiencing crisis with clinical and/or substance misuse issues. The position requires conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, collaborating with law enforcement and other community partners, providing crisis interventions, making referrals, and maintaining thorough documentation. The goal is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of services and supports.

Requirements

One (1) year of experience as a licensed professional counselor.
Must possess and retain a license to practice professional counselor work pursuant to Sec. 20-195 (aa-jj) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual Spanish and English speaking, with oral and written communications skills in both languages
Experience working with community-based outpatient mental health and substance use treatment programs
Experience conducting crisis assessments and risk assessments in high‑acuity settings
Experience supervising staff and supporting professional development within clinical teams
Experience working in diverse and inclusive environments
Experience collaborating with community providers, local hospitals, police departments, and outpatient clinical teams
Experience using Office 365 applications, especially Word and Excel
Experience using Electronic Medical Record systems (such as WITS)
Knowledge of sign language and communication ability with the deaf and hearing impaired in certain designated positions
Ability in Spanish oral and written communication in certain designated positions
May be required to travel

Responsibilities

Conducting comprehensive clinical assessments
Collaborating, consulting, and coordinating with law enforcement
Providing clinical and/or administrative consultation to staff
Providing crisis assessments and interventions, including risk management
Conducting intakes and making referrals to treatment and other community behavioral health services
Providing follow-up contact to ensure that individuals engage with recommended services
Maintaining thorough documentation for each individual served
Enhancing communication across the local behavioral health system, including forensics, law enforcement, and criminal justice partners
Promoting effective linkages and resource utilization within the behavioral health network
Issuing emergency certifications for clients requiring transport to emergency departments for further assessment and intervention
Educating local providers and law enforcement agencies on behavioral health issues, homelessness, and the complex needs of high‑risk individuals, as well as available behavioral health resources
Providing direct clinical care in a wide range of community settings, including face‑to‑face assessments in the community and criminal justice environments
Utilizing electronic health records for all required documentation
Other related duties as assigned
Independently provides highly skilled direct professional counseling treatment services to clients with complex emotional, behavioral or interpersonal problems through comprehensive clinical assessments and provision of individual, family and group treatment
Provides individual field work instruction and/or clinical supervision which includes instruction in use of comprehensive psychosocial assessments, case management, needs assessment and supportive counseling
Develops and maintains comprehensive treatment and/or rehabilitation plans including measurable treatment objectives
Initiates consultation and collaboration with other mental health providers to improve delivery of current services and/or identify unmet needs within current service system
Assists in resolution of administrative, personnel and clinical issues in program
Develops data for statistical and planning systems and/or research and publication
Prepares administrative reports and suggests operational policies and procedures
Oversees development and/or implementation of individual client treatment plans
May be assigned administrative oversight of research projects
May provide expert testimony to courts
May represent program in liaison relationships with other community agencies and resources
May chair or serve on unit committees that develop services for clients
Performs related duties as required