CBT Counselor

Westcare Illinois•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The CBT Counselor provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group sessions and supports clients through counseling, case management, education, outreach, referrals, and therapeutic activities. The position monitors adherence to program policies and procedures, maintains client treatment documentation, prepares progress reports as needed, and coordinates with families, community agencies, referral sources, and the criminal justice system when necessary. The counselor is expected to embody WestCare Foundation’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals, and to perform other duties as assigned. Work is primarily performed in a professional setting or in schools and communities, with some outdoor activities possibly required. The role involves communicating and working with clients and colleagues, and may involve working under stress or in emotionally charged settings. The normal routine does not involve exposure to human blood, body fluids, or tissues, although such exposure may be required as a condition of employment; appropriate personal protective equipment will be available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience with cognitive behavioral therapy curriculum.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Highly organized, detail-focused, and excellent time management skills.
Strong computer skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to pass a background check.
Ability to obtain and maintain OIG LEIE clearance.
Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct, especially confidentiality.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification, first aid certification, and an annual tuberculosis test.
Ability to perform the essential physical and mental duties with or without accommodation, including mobility and physical activity, occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, computer and telephone use, and communicating and hearing detailed information.
Ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings and use approved de-escalation techniques in physically or mentally/verbal abusive situations.

Nice To Haves

A master’s or bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor adherence to program policies and procedures.
Facilitate CBT groups and family groups, and assist program clients.
Deliver individual and group counseling, case management, education and community outreach, and referrals to appropriate services and community resources.
Maintain relationships with referring and supporting agencies and represent the agency at community meetings as requested.
Help facilitate ancillary services, including family support and education groups, continuing care, networking with community agencies, and maintaining referral and resource information.
Supervise maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational and educational activities and other pertinent information.
Provide general client supervision, including planning and scheduling therapeutic activities.
Prepare client progress reports when necessary.
Interact with the criminal justice system and referral sources when necessary.
Embrace and embody WestCare Foundation’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.