Counselor I/II

Behavioral Health Services•Pomona, CA

About The Position

This position offers two levels: Counselor I and Counselor II. The Counselor I role focuses on providing direct counseling services to clients with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, helping them achieve treatment goals and improve well-being. The Counselor II role involves working as part of a treatment team, coordinating services, and maintaining client and program integrity, building upon the responsibilities of a Counselor I.

Requirements

Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
No prior experience required (Entry-level position).
Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in documentation and record-keeping.
Basic computer skills.
Adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards.
Thorough knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community (Counselor II).
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 (Counselor II).
Ability to confront behavioral changes, identifies a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary (Counselor II).
Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients (Counselor II).
Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior (Counselor II).
Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff (Counselor II).
Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related process and educational groups (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).
Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources (Counselor II).
Knowledge of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word) (Counselor II).
Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system (Counselor II).

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' mental health and/or substance abuse needs, including psychosocial history, current symptoms, and risk factors.
Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, client goals, and evidence-based practices.
Facilitate individual, group, and/or family counseling sessions, utilizing appropriate therapeutic modalities.
Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Collaborate with other members of the treatment team, including psychiatrists, case managers, and other professionals, to ensure coordinated care.
Provide crisis intervention services as needed.
Make referrals to other community resources as appropriate.
Participate in professional development activities to maintain and enhance clinical skills.
Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards of practice.
Admit, orient, and discharge clients (Counselor II)
Facilitate group process (Counselor II)
Formulate treatment plans (Counselor II)
Intervene in crisis situations (Counselor II)
Adhere to professional boundaries (Counselor II)
Maintain client records (Counselor II)