HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR III - 60006899

State of Florida

1d•$35,000 - $50,820

About The Position

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state of Florida’s social services agency. The agency oversees services for child safety, fostering, adoption, domestic violence, adult protective services, refugees, homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, childcare providers, human trafficking and public assistance. The agency’s mission is to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency. Within DCF, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program office is recognized as the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health services. The Office of SAMH is statutorily responsible for the planning, evaluation, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders. Florida State Hospital (FSH) is a mental health treatment facility owned and operated by the State of Florida and is part of the Department of Children and Families. The department’s mission is to “work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.” FLORIDA STATE HOSPITAL IS A TOBACCO FREE FACILITY. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION RESPONSES TO THE QUALIFYING QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE VERIFIABLE BASED ON YOUR SUBMITTED APPLICATION. This is a highly responsible and professional position serving as a Human Services Counselor III within Program Services. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player who works seamlessly across all sections within the program office. This role requires the use of independent judgment, a proactive approach to responsibilities, and exceptional attention to detail. If you are driven, organized, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Knowledge of theories and practices in counseling or social work.
Knowledge of professional ethics relating to counseling or social work.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
Ability to provide counseling or social work services to others.
Ability to coordinate a team approach to the rehabilitation process.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to actively listen to others.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
A bachelor's of Social Work or related degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in developmental disabilities, special education, mental health, counseling, guidance, social work, health or rehabilitative programs.
A master's degree can substitute for one year of the required experience.

Responsibilities

This position requires lifting, pulling, and squatting. Duties of this position require the incumbent to be knowledgeable of and utilize the principles of Total Quality Management.
This is a professional position responsible for providing social services, counseling guidance, and discharge planning (i.e., identifying alternative living environments, securing financial benefits, identifying barriers to discharge, etc.) with individuals with acute or chronic mental disabilities, who are emotionally disturbed, indigent, or assigned a legal status of civil and ex-forensic.
Participates in monthly conference calls with case management and interacts with Community Case Managers and Forensic Specialists during case management visits to maintain effective working relationships, and to develop Discharge Plans and Conditional Release Plans.
Completes all necessary social services progress notes and assessments to include Comprehensive Psychosocial summaries, Baker Act Summaries, Advance Directive documents, and other documents associated with discharge planning in a timely manner, ensuring that Quality Assurance requirements are met, and Continuity of Care plans for residents being discharged are arranged. Represents the unit and social services department at legal hearings (if applicable). Maintains assessments in compliance with Department of Children and Families, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabiltive Facilities, Performance Improvement and Planning, and Florida State Hospital Operating Procedures.
Is sensitive to cultural diversity issues and maintains effective, professional therapeutic relationships with individuals with acute and/or chronic mental deficiencies. Upon admission, establishes rapport (connects) with resident, recognizing the person's individualized need of care and treatment consistent with age and ethnicity. Provides counseling and guidance services to residents and families experiencing adjustment problems.
Participates in assessment, planning and treatment regarding psychosocial stressors which affect mental illness and mental health. Provides counseling and therapeutic sessions in accordance with individuals’ recovery plan objectives and needs.
Consistently attends and represents clinical needs of individuals during Recovery Team meetings, and while interacting with external statewide systems on behalf of the individual.
Provides ongoing information for residents and their representatives regarding resident's rights (i.e., right to dignity, right to vote in public elections, the right to confidentiality, the right to participate in recovery team and discharge planning, the privilege to have more personalized clothing and bedroom surrounding), quality treatment and rehabilitation by means of telephone, written correspondence, direct information exchange, access to funds, the chance to go on trips for socialization skills, and to view possible discharge environments.
Attends in service training, reviews policies, and/or continued education programs to enhance job knowledge.
Performs other related duties as required.