Behavioral Health Counselor

Goodwill NYNJ•New York, NY

2d•$50,000 - $53,000

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Counselor works with a Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) program to provide individual and group services. PROS integrates rehabilitation, treatment, and support for people with serious mental illness and possibly other co-occurring disorders. The counselor supports participants in pursuing goals related to independent living, natural supports, employment, education, preferred housing, and medication management, in accordance with NYS OMH Part 512 Regulations and Medicaid requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Development, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience working with adults with mental illness and/or families dealing with mental illness.
Team-based skills.
Computer skills and knowledge of service documentation.
Criminal background check and fingerprinting are required, along with screening against the GSA, OIG, and OMIG lists of persons disallowed from working in Medicaid-funded programs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Previous experience working with individuals with psychiatric or co-occurring disorders.
Knowledge of running groups.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of up to 25 consumers, providing case management, collateral contacts, referrals, vocational assistance, and service coordination.
Conduct required assessments, including Wellness Recovery Action Plans, psychosocial assessments, psychiatric rehabilitation assessments, and substance-use screenings and assessments.
Develop Individualized Recovery Plans (IRPs) with participants twice yearly or more often as needed.
Maintain and update demographic, treatment, and employment data in electronic health records and databases, including Foothold AWARDS, OMH CAIRS, and NYESS.
Facilitate participants’ access to community support services, including medical, mental health, substance-abuse, housing, and entitlement services.
Develop and facilitate approximately 6–8 groups according to protocol and curriculum, covering CRS, ORS, IR, and Clinical Services as required.
Conduct individual counseling sessions to help participants achieve life-role goals specified in their IRPs.
Document participant progress in monthly progress notes and assess on an ongoing basis whether services should be added or discontinued.
Coordinate treatment, including sharing IRPs and progress notes when participants are co-enrolled with other agencies, as necessary.
Provide services using evidence-based practices, including Wellness Self Management, Family Psychoeducation (CCFC), Medication Management, Co-occurring Disorders (IDDT), and Supported Employment (IPS).
Coordinate follow-up services when participants are ready for discharge.
Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, including weekly administrative, clinical, and utilization review meetings.
Maintain client records and document services promptly in the AWARDS electronic health record as required by Medicaid and the Office of Mental Health.
Develop and maintain collateral relationships with participants’ other providers and family members when clinically indicated.
Carry a 24-hour support cell phone in rotation with the clinical team.
Perform other duties as assigned.