Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health)

Vinfen • Lowell, MA

3d

About The Position

The ACCS Mental Health Counselor provides direct services in an adult Community Crisis Stabilization (YCCS) Program. The program provides a staff-secure, safe, and structured crisis stabilization and treatment environment for adults age 18 and older experiencing behavioral health symptoms, mental health or substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. It offers 24-hour care in an unlocked, community-based treatment setting as a medically necessary, less-restrictive, voluntary alternative to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

The counselor supports clients’ recovery, treatment, and transition back to the community. The role includes working with clients and their supports, contributing to assessment and care planning, implementing treatment plans, maintaining a safe treatment environment, and helping with routine living activities. The position may require driving for Vinfen and involves physically active work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong commitment to the rights and abilities of people served by CCS to live and work, have meaningful relationships, and receive resources and support in their community of choice.
• Ability to work in a therapeutic milieu setting and establish supportive, trusting relationships with program clients.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based values, principles, and modalities.
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Knowledge of human, legal, and civil rights, community, and other resources.
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
• CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
• CPSS certification required.
• NET certification required.
• If driving, must present a valid driver’s license at employment, be at least 21 years old, have held a valid US driver’s license for at least one year, and pass a driver screening background check. Must maintain a safe driving record subject to annual checks; personal-vehicle drivers must maintain adequate insurance.
• Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, sitting, reaching, climbing stairs, and maneuvering through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
• Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living; speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives; and operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field is preferred.
• Bilingual/bi-cultural applicants are preferred.
• Applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help prepare clients returning to the community to engage in recovery and communicate their strengths and goals to their treatment team and supports.
• Assist with intake and orientation procedures for clients and their families or identified supports.
• Assist with functional and strengths-based assessments as needed.
• Contribute to assessment, individualized crisis planning, discharge planning, and care coordination.
• Implement individuals’ treatment plans.
• Maintain an environment that promotes safety, recovery, and treatment.
• Participate in training and attend supervision, staff, and team meetings as requested.
• Assist clients with routine living activities, including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, and grocery shopping.
• Prepare light meals and monitor the dining area.
• Follow company, divisional, and program-specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control; comply with accreditation, licensing, and physical-site licensing standards and regulations.
• Use crisis intervention techniques when necessary, access on-call backup when needed, and complete incident documentation as needed.
• Ensure maintenance and safety of the physical site.
• For Certified Peer Specialist staff, provide peer-to-peer support and psychoeducation about rehabilitation and recovery.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution, plus an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week, with an employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for qualifying employees.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED