Behavioral Health Counselor I-2

BMC Software

88d

About The Position

Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS) for Substance Use Disorders Level III.5 consist of 24-hour, clinically managed detoxification services that are provided in a non-medical setting. These services, which usually follow Acute Treatment Services (ATS) for Substance Use Disorders Level III.7, include supervision, observation, support, intensive education, and counseling regarding the nature of addiction and its consequences, relapse prevention, outreach to families and significant others, and aftercare planning for individuals beginning to engage in recovery. CSS provides multi-disciplinary treatment interventions and emphasizes individual, group, family, and other forms of therapy. Linkage to aftercare, relapse prevention services, and peer support and recovery-oriented services, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are integrated into treatment and discharge planning. Under supervision, the behavioral health counselor I will provide specialized therapeutic groups to address gender specific treatment issues, poly-substance use, co-occurring disorders, trauma, medications, life skills, housing, and other relevant topics. The behavioral health counselor I is a key member of a holistic care model through providing non-judgmental, person-centered support across multiple systems and frameworks of care. This position will maintain ongoing patient support regardless of relapse and will serve as a motivator, ally, role model, problem-solver and advocate for patients. The behavioral health counselor I should possess a thorough understanding of optimizing safety for people who use drugs, better tailor health messages to vulnerable populations, and provide links to community resources and treatment options. This position requires good organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social or health services field, with 2+ years exp in counseling field; or bachelor's degree in other field with 4+ years in the counseling field.
• Master's degree in social or health services field, with 1 year professional work exp; degree must be from an accredited college or university.
• At least 2+ year of experience working in a health care/substance use treatment setting required; preferably with individuals with substance use disorders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, e-mail, and the internet.
• Requires ability to research community resources independently.

Nice To Haves

• LADC or CADC certification.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual counseling sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and documents as required.
• Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and documents as required.
• May co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions.
• Responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessment, for patients.
• Prepare an individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
• May act as a liaison between referral sources and patients.
• Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
• May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
• May provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care.
• Evaluate patient' needs and determines if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• Assist with milieu management.
• Support and encourage patients to take prescribed medication for substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or medical issues.
• Develop and implement recovery plans with patient in collaboration with colleagues, clinicians, and patients.
• Use language that conveys caring and is non-judgmental and utilize motivational enhancement techniques and motivational interviewing that helps encourage patients to identify and prioritize their personal needs.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights and privacy.
• Utilizes hospital's policies and standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.
• Performs other duties assigned or as necessary.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans.
• Working at Boston Medical Center is more than a job. It’s a chance to make a difference as part of our mission to provide exceptional and equitable care to all.
• BMC is dedicated to improving the health of our community in Boston and beyond.
• BMC’s mission to provide exceptional care without exception extends to our employees.
• Recognized as a top employer and best place to work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees