MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR - Relief

BUCKELEW PROGRAMS•Novato, CA

4d•$24 - $24

About The Position

Gain experience in behavioral healthcare at the North Bay’s largest nonprofit provider of mental health and substance use treatment services. Buckelew Programs' mission is to promote recovery, resilience and hope by providing behavioral health and support services that enhance quality of life. Join us as a Mental Health Counselor I in the Buckelew Marin Assisted Independent Living (MAIL) program, which offers care in homelike settings for clients with moderate to severe mental illness, at sites throughout Marin County. As a Mental Health Counselor I, you will provide direct support to clients living independently in the community or within a Buckelew housing environment. You will play a key role in promoting client recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. Working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will serve clients in the field working with our counselors, case managers, and team leader. This is a relief position, working shifts as they become available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Fluent in English; bilingual/bicultural preferred.
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a calm, organized, and empathetic manner.
Interest and comfort in working with individuals with behavioral health needs.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) at a basic to intermediate level.
Must be a dependable, flexible, and collaborative team player.
Valid California driver’s license, an insurable driving record, and access to a personal, insured vehicle required.
Ability to pass a Live Scan background check, as required by program regulations.
Ability to perform intermittent physical activities including sitting, standing, driving, talking, listening, seeing, bending, squatting, reaching, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), and using hands for grasping or typing.
Capacity for sustained physical activity such as driving, writing, standing, or computer work.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders preferred.
bilingual/bicultural preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues.
Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records.
Teach and assist clients with activities of daily living, adapting support to their individual needs and readiness levels.
Monitor and report on client well-being, including mood and behavior. Ensure and model adherence to agency safety protocols.
Support clients with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation, offering skill-building assistance as appropriate.
Provide medication prompts, ensure proper storage, monitor adherence, and support timely refills as required by program guidelines.
Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; support clients in learning and using public transportation.
Assist clients with attending and coordinating medical appointments.
Perform general housekeeping tasks (e.g., vacuuming, dishwashing, dusting) as needed.
Conduct basic maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors) and report major repair needs to the supervisor.
Maintain adequate household supplies and restock as needed.
Deliver services that align with program goals, emphasizing client progress and satisfaction.
Comply with all legal, regulatory, and contractual standards (e.g., CARF, Medi-Cal, HUD) and maintain program certifications and licensing requirements.