Per Diem CCS Mental Health Counselor

Vinfen•Lowell, MA

19h•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The CCS Mental Health Counselor (Direct Support) provides direct service in an adult Community Crisis Stabilization (CCS) Program. This program is designed to offer a staff-secure, safe, and structured crisis stabilization and treatment environment for adults aged 18 and older who experience behavioral health symptoms, mental health issues, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. These individuals require 24-hour care in an unlocked, community-based treatment setting, serving as a medically necessary, less-restrictive, and voluntary alternative to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. The role involves supporting clients in their recovery process, assisting with daily living activities, and ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by CCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
Ability to work in a therapeutic milieu setting.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based values, and principles and modalities
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
Must complete all necessary training with defined timelines upon hire including CPR, First Aid, and CPSS
A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months, and access to a personal vehicle
Must be able to successfully pass a multistate CORI, SORI, reference check, employment verification, education and credentialing background check
Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by CCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
Ability to work in a therapeutic milieu setting.
Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with program clients.
Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based values, and principles and modalities
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
Ability to balance competing priorities.
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
If driving, must maintain a safe driving record, which is subject to annual checks.
If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
CPR is required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.
CPSS is required.
NET is required.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field preferred.
Preference given to bilingual/bi-cultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
Bilingual/bi-cultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Helps prepare clients returning to the community to engage in a recovery process and to communicate their strengths and goals to their treatment team and supports.
Assists with intake and orientation procedures with clients and their families or identified supports.
Assists with the completion of functional and strengths-based assessments as needed.
Contributes to the assessment, individualized crisis planning, discharge planning, and care coordination.
Implements individual's treatment plan.
Ensures an environment that promotes safety, recovery, and treatment.
Participates in training; attend supervision meetings, staff meetings and Team meetings as requested.
Assists clients in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, and grocery shopping.
Performs light meal prep and monitor dining area.
Adheres to all company and divisional and program specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker's compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
Complies with accreditation and licensing standards, as well as physical site licensing standards and regulations.
Uses crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
Access on-call back up when needed.
Completes incident documentation as needed.
Ensures maintenance and safety of physical site.
Certified Peer Specialist Staff provide peer-to-peer support and psycho-education about rehabilitation and recovery.
Performs other related duties as required.