Counselor I

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INC•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$24 - $29•Onsite

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.

Requirements

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).
Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word).
Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system.
High school diploma or equivalency.
Registered and enrolled in a state-recognized chemical dependency counselor certification program or progress towards AOD, with six months’ substance abuse experience or Bachelor’s and registered with state or nationwide approved credentialing body (i.e. CCAPP, CAADE. Maintain registration thereafter, and to complete certification within the specified time subsequent to registration, will result in loss of employment.
Must have valid California driver’s license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business.
Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties.
Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties.
Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.
Class “C” California Driver’s License
Personal vehicle with liability insurance for reimbursable mileage, generally short distances.
First Aid certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.
CPR certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.
Medication training required within 30 days of employment.
Obtain NPI number
Develop computer skills adequate to perform Caminar/word processing duties within 90 days of employment.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.
Bi-lingual (specify: ___________________)

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.
Ability to 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.
Ability to confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related educational groups.
Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
May carry a caseload as needed.
Document client intake and treatment progress
Identify a crisis
Facilitate an educational group
Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies
Assess and report client behavioral changes
Identify personal boundaries and be able to work as part of the treatment team
Adhere to professional standards
Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations