Behavioral Health Counselor (51531)

WESTCARE INC • Key Largo, FL

10d • $21 - $21 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Counselor performs screenings, assessments, interventions, and referral and linkage for individuals at risk of substance abuse disorders and/or mental health issues, with the goal of intervention and preventing the worsening of symptoms. This role is part of the Community Action Team and involves community-based essential job functions.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is required
• Two years experience working with substance abuse and children preferred
• Intake and assessment experience is preferred
• Bilingual is preferred
• Ability to converse with consumers/families about substance and mental health issues
• Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to organize, interpret and communicate data in a comprehensive and effective manner.
• Ability to network with internal and external departments and agencies.
• Knowledge in the understanding and application of case management techniques
• Knowledge in the understanding and application of life span development.
• Knowledge in the inter-relationship between trauma, exposure to violence, substance abuse and mental health disorders.
• Ability to assess and evaluate case management needs of consumers/families and to develop appropriate service plans within a developmental framework.
• Ability to chart the results of case management assessments, service plans, progress notes, discharge plans, and other consumer related information.
• Maintains confidential files and records
• Working knowledge of behavioral health terminology
• Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
• Knowledge of Incident Reporting
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
• Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
• Understanding of issues related to cultural identity, ethnic background, age, developmental level, gender and sexual orientation in prevention, intervention and treatment.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and consumers
• Demonstrates respect for an individual’s cultural and ethnic values when interacting with them
• Articulates a working definition of trauma
• Understands the impact of trauma
• Understands re-traumatization
• Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
• Maintains a good attendance record.
• Observes working hours
• Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
• Works independently with minimal supervision
• Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
• Work time is always productive
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
• Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others.
• Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
• Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
• Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
• Maintains a positive attitude toward work
• Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.
• Work area is clean and orderly.
• Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
• Presents a positive personal image
• Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.

Nice To Haves

• Two years experience working with substance abuse and children
• Intake and assessment experience
• Bilingual

Responsibilities

• Carries caseload of approximately 25
• Provides children substance abuse outreach, screening and intervention
• Provides linkage for further assessment and treatment
• Consults with school personnel regarding family needs and participates in case staffings with DCF, Wesley House and/or Our Kids
• Demonstrates empathetic, professional behavior toward children, families, and school personnel
• Maintains confidentiality of service recipients
• Engages clients and completes 115 direct service hours per month
• Enrolls clients in services through intakes and completing biopsychosocial assessments
• Prepares written documentation for each service provided
• Participate in case conference
• Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation; and Perform any other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level