Counselor

WESTCARE INC • Saint Petersburg, FL

7d • $22 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Counselors provide individual, group, and family counseling to clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. They conduct screenings, assessments, intake interviews, and eligibility decisions; develop and update individualized treatment plans; and use evidence-based counseling approaches to address emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and affective conditions. Services may be delivered through secure distance-based platforms when appropriate, with required attention to informed consent, confidentiality, and applicable laws and professional standards.

The role includes monitoring and documenting client progress, maintaining clinical records, participating in interdisciplinary treatment meetings and discharge planning, and coordinating referrals and ancillary services. Counselors provide crisis assessment, intervention, and de-escalation, report incidents and safety or compliance concerns, and support clients and families with recovery resources, relapse prevention, coping strategies, and aftercare planning. The position requires regular attendance and following WestCare policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field.
• At least 2 years of experience in a similar setting.
• Commitment to high ethical and professional standards when working with clients, colleagues, and the community.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships with clients.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with sound judgment and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of and adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
• Ability to meet any new vaccination or other requirements issued by local, state, federal, or funding authorities that WestCare must follow.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical and mental demands, with or without accommodation, including mobility, standing and walking, extended sitting, occasional lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, computer and telephone use, and approved physical and mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information, cooperate with others, and work under stress in emotionally charged settings.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing counseling to adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and treatment modalities for substance abuse and mental health counseling.
• Bilingual proficiency.
• Experience in group and individual counseling.
• CAP certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling for substance use, co-occurring disorders, and mental health concerns.
• Conduct client screenings, assessments, and intake interviews, and determine program eligibility and appropriateness for services or referral.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans based on clients’ strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
• Use evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy approaches to evaluate and treat emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and affective conditions.
• Deliver services through secure distance-based platforms when appropriate, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Assess client needs and determine appropriate care modalities, including crisis intervention, referrals, and coordination with ancillary services.
• Provide crisis intervention in accordance with WestCare policies and take immediate action as needed to ensure client safety.
• Report unusual incidents, safety concerns, and compliance issues to appropriate WestCare leadership or regulatory agencies.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document client behavior, progress, and participation throughout treatment.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessments, and reports.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team and counselor meetings and discharge planning discussions.
• Educate clients and families about recovery resources, relapse prevention, and coping strategies.
• Assist clients with aftercare planning by identifying community resources and ongoing recovery supports.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance to support continuity of client care.
• Follow WestCare policies, procedures, and professional standards, and promote the organization’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program and client needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level