Counselor I/ II

Behavioral Health Services•Gardena, CA

About The Position

The Counselor I fulfills assigned role as a part of the treatment team, maintaining the well being of clients and integrity of the program. The Counselor II works as a member of the treatment team, coordinating program services, and maintaining the well-being of clients and the integrity of the program.

Requirements

Counseling certification.
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a counseling or mental health setting.
Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of cultural sensitivities.
Familiarity with behavioral health services and therapeutic practices.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
Proficient in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
Knowledge of ethical and legal standards in counseling practice.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Proficiency in using electronic health records and other relevant software applications.
Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word).
Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
Working knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
May carry a caseload as needed.
Thorough knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community (Counselor II).
Knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system (Counselor II).
Knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon) (Counselor II).

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training and other occasions as appropriate.
Write clear statements, summarizing client’s feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
Confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
Recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
Prepare for, and facilitate related educational groups.
Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies.
Admit, orient, and discharge clients (Counselor II only).
Facilitate group process (Counselor II only).
Conduct assessments (Counselor II only).
Formulate treatment plans (Counselor II only).
Intervene in crisis situations (Counselor II only).
Adhere to professional boundaries (Counselor II only).