Mental Health Counselor

AFRICAN AMERICAN PLANNING COMMISSION INC•New York, NY

22d•$83,575 - $83,575

About The Position

The Mental Health Counselor counsels’ residents of the DHS Shelter Program with an emphasis on prevention. The Mental Health Counselor works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. The Mental Health Counselor develops collaborative relationships with other disciplines to assure effective client care.

Requirements

Master’s Degree with at least 3-5 years of direct experience providing mental health services in a professional, counseling, clinical, or therapeutic environment, a relevant social service discipline (LMSW) is preferred.
Knowledge of person centered/trauma informed approach
Knowledge of crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques
Exemplary emotional intelligence and attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively, strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and meet key deadlines.
Ability to work and provide outstanding services to diverse homeless population
Strong time management skills and organization skills.

Responsibilities

Perform or co-lead individual and group counseling focused on substance use disorders, mental health or cooccurring issues.
Use a person-centered approach to help clients set goals, identify interests, and address concerns
Learn about the psychological history of the client(s) to provide strategic interventions and services.
Participate in appropriate education activities, professional development trainings, and department meetings, as scheduled.
Perform monthly workshops for shelter residents to promote optimum mental health (i.e., hygiene, medication management, wellness, self-care, coping skills, harm reduction, etc.)
Collaborate with social service leadership to recommend appropriate treatment services and referrals for each client.
Make recommendations based on assessment and evaluation of client’s progress to determine higher/lower level of care is needed to overcome barriers to independent living.
Prepares, writes, and maintained all required documentation, reports and case notes of client’s progress.
Develop and maintain contacts with various community agencies to gather information on available resources.
Participate in the coordination of care with collateral contacts.
Participate in the completion of case summaries in components related to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Complete biopsychosocial and other assessments, as assigned.
Collaborate with the social service team to complete, or assist with incident follow up practices pertaining to mental health/substance use disorders.
Collaborate with the social service team to formulate/coordinate documentation required for supportive housing applications.
Provide training as needed for staff members.
Occasionally, perform other duties as requested by immediate supervisor or senior leadership.