Counselor II - Community Housing (Salinas)

Interim•Salinas, CA

10d

About The Position

The Counselor II provides mental health counseling, case management, and other services to clients. The role supports clients across multiple Interim programs, including supported housing, homeless services, crisis residential, and substance use residential and treatment services. Services include helping clients manage medications, facilitating family meetings, and teaching and practicing relapse-prevention and independent-living skills. The position may involve working various assigned shifts, including possible overnight hours. The Counselor II conducts client assessments and intake and discharge processes; responds to crises; provides individual and group counseling and psychoeducation; and coordinates with clients, families, staff, and community agencies. The role also maintains treatment plans, client records, and required documentation, and assists clients with everyday, recreational, educational, and employment-related activities. This is a non-exempt, 40-hour-per-week position eligible for overtime. Compensation is $27.74–$39.78 per hour, based on education and experience. An additional hourly incentive may apply when hired into a licensed program.

Requirements

High school diploma.
One year of work experience in the mental health and/or substance use disorder field; a bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for this experience.
Ability to be organized, responsible, flexible, and empathic, and to relate effectively with clients, staff, professionals, and community members.
Good written and oral English communication skills.
Word processing and data entry/retrieval skills.
Driver's license held for at least two years and a driving record acceptable to the insurance carrier.
Valid California driver's license, an auto in safe operating condition, auto liability insurance, and a good driving record.
Criminal record clearance.
Proof of authorization to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community resources.
Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Conduct client assessments and intake and discharge processes.
Assess for suicidality, violence, and substance use; identify, assess, and respond to crisis situations.
Set clear limits and help ensure the safety of clients and staff.
Provide client-centered, culturally appropriate counseling and psychoeducational skills building individually or in groups.
Listen, respond empathically, and engage clients in problem solving.
Identify mental illness and substance-use symptoms and help clients develop symptom-management skills.
Teach and assist clients in practicing relapse-prevention and independent-living skills.
Assist clients with self-administration and management of medications; monitor and document medications and procedures as prescribed by physicians and regulatory agencies.
Develop, write, review, and update client-centered treatment plans in collaboration with clients and Quality Assurance staff.
Oversee client charts and maintain legible, accurate, timely treatment plans, progress notes, financial records, and other client-care and reporting documentation, including Medi-Cal and regulatory documentation.
Use the Avatar medical records system, other computer software, and databases.
Establish and maintain links with other agencies and services, including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, Case Coordinators, homeless and housing providers, and Social Security and other benefits resources.
Facilitate family or house meetings and social events as appropriate.
Participate in staff meetings and communicate and collaborate with staff about client needs and program, agency, and other business.
Assist clients with recreational, educational, employment, cooking and food, housecleaning, yard maintenance, and moving activities as needed.
Plan and participate in program and agency events, outings, and other activities.
Work various assigned shifts, including possible overnight hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Tuition reimbursement for eligible positions.
Clinical license and training reimbursement for eligible positions.
Loan repayment for eligible positions.
Health, vision, dental, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and life insurance coverage for full-time employees.
Monthly payment in lieu of insurance coverage for eligible positions.
403(b) retirement plan with Interim matching contribution.
Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; employees can earn up to 24 vacation days in their first year.
Professional development and learning opportunities.
Onsite BBS-registered supervisors for ongoing clinical supervision.
Annual employee recognition and staff appreciation events.
Employee referral bonus program.
Flexible work schedules.
Overtime eligibility.