Behavioral Health Counselor

Goodwill NYNJ•New York, NY

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 possible co-occurring disorders. The counselor supports participants in pursuing goals such as independent living, building natural supports, finding and keeping employment, furthering education, securing preferred housing, and improving medication management. Services are provided in accordance with NYS OMH Part 512 Regulations and Medicaid requirements. The role manages a caseload of up to 25 consumers and coordinates assessments, individualized recovery planning, counseling, group services, referrals, vocational assistance, and access to community supports. The counselor documents participant progress and services in electronic health records and other required databases, coordinates care with other providers and family as clinically indicated, and participates in an interdisciplinary treatment team. The counselor carries a 24-hour support cell phone in rotation with the clinical team.

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.
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, including case management, collateral contacts, referrals, vocational assistance, and other needs, to coordinate services.
Conduct required assessments, including Wellness Recovery Action Plans, psychosocial assessments, psychiatric rehabilitation assessments, and substance use screenings and assessments.
Develop Individualized Recovery Plans (IRPs) in collaboration with participants twice yearly or more often as necessary.
Maintain and update demographic, treatment, and employment data in electronic health records and databases, including Foothold AWARDS, OMH CAIRS, and NYESS.
Facilitate participant 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 attain the life-role goals specified in their IRPs.
Document consumers’ progress toward goals in monthly progress notes and assess the ongoing need to add or remove services.
Coordinate treatment, including sharing IRPs and progress notes for participants 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 a participant is ready for discharge from the program.
Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, including weekly administrative, clinical, and utilization review meetings.
Maintain client records and complete timely service documentation 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 as clinically indicated.
Carry a 24-hour support cell phone in rotation with the clinical team.
Perform other duties as assigned.