Counselor (53328)

Westcare•Saint Petersburg, FL

22d

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, and intake interviews; determine program eligibility and appropriate care; and develop and update individualized treatment plans. Counselors use evidence-based counseling approaches and may deliver services through secure distance-based platforms when appropriate, following informed-consent, confidentiality, legal, regulatory, and professional requirements. The role includes monitoring client progress and behavior, maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation, participating in interdisciplinary treatment meetings and discharge planning, and coordinating referrals and ancillary services. Counselors provide crisis assessment and intervention, promote client and staff safety, educate clients and families about recovery resources and coping strategies, and support aftercare planning. The position requires regular attendance and work in indoor and outdoor settings with clients of varying ages and levels of functioning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major 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.
Demonstrated commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
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 new requirements that may be issued during employment by local, state, or federal authorities or funders.
Ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings and to use approved physical and mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.
Ability to perform the listed physical and mental duties, with or without accommodation, including mobility, standing, walking, sitting for extended periods, occasional lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, and use of computer and telephone systems.

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 external 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 procedures and take immediate action when needed to ensure client safety.
Report unusual incidents, safety concerns, or compliance issues to the appropriate organizational or regulatory contacts.
Monitor, evaluate, and document client behavior, progress, and participation throughout treatment.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessments, and reports.
Follow WestCare policies, procedures, and professional standards of practice.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, counselor meetings, and discharge planning discussions.
Educate clients and families about recovery resources, relapse prevention, and coping strategies.
Assist clients with identifying community resources and ongoing recovery supports for aftercare.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance to support continuity of client care.
Promote and embody WestCare Foundation’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals.
Perform other duties as assigned to support program and client needs.