Per Diem CCS Mental Health Counselor

Vinfen • Lowell, MA

1d • $23 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The CCS Mental Health Counselor (Direct Support) provides direct service in an adult Community Crisis Stabilization (CCS) Program, designed to provide a staff-secure, safe, and structured crisis stabilization and treatment environment for adults ages 18+ who have behavioral health symptoms, mental health, substance use or co-occurring disorders, that require 24-hour per day care in an unlocked treatment setting in a community-based program that serves as a medically necessary, less-restrictive, and voluntary alternative to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

Requirements

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by CCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
• Ability to work in a therapeutic milieu setting.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with program clients.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based values, and principles and modalities
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
• Ability to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipmen
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
• If driving, must maintain a safe driving record, which is subject to annual checks.
• If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• CPR is required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.
• CPSS is required.
• NET is required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Helps prepare clients returning to the community to engage in a recovery process and to communicate their strengths and goals to their treatment team and supports.
• Assists with intake and orientation procedures with clients and their families or identified supports.
• Assists with the completion of functional and strengths-based assessments as needed.
• Contributes to the assessment, individualized crisis planning, discharge planning, and care coordination.
• Implements individual’s treatment plan.
• Ensures an environment that promotes safety, recovery, and treatment.
• Participates in training; attend supervision meetings, staff meetings and Team meetings as requested.
• Assists clients in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, and grocery shopping.
• Performs light meal prep and monitor dining area.
• Adheres to all company and divisional and program specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker’s compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Complies with accreditation and licensing standards, as well as physical site licensing standards and regulations.
• Uses crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Access on-call back up when needed. Completes incident documentation as needed.
• Ensures maintenance and safety of physical site.
• Certified Peer Specialist Staff provide peer-to-peer support and psycho-education about rehabilitation and recovery.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges.
• Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve.
• Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees