Social Service Counselor 3

State of Louisiana • New Orleans, LA

2d

About The Position

One of ten districts across Louisiana, MHSD was created by the state legislature in 2003 to oversee the delivery of publicly funded, community-based mental health, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities services to our area. MHSD serves adults, children and families of Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes. In particular, we serve residents who are uninsured, or Medicaid eligible/covered, individuals suffering from mental illness, individuals suffering from addiction, and individuals who have developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Social Service Counselor 3 (Peer Specialist) to support individuals with behavioral health and/or addiction disorders within our Advocacy Division. This role focuses on providing peer support, care coordination, and connecting clients to essential community-based resources to improve overall outcomes. Come join our dynamic team, where we change lives! AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES: Driving Results: The ability to set and pursue goals, maintain focus amid competing demands, and deliver results. Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers. Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well supported conclusions. Driving Vision and Purpose: The ability to create and communicate a compelling direction that motivates others and aligns with long-term goals. Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.

Requirements

• Five years of social services experience; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field plus two years of social services experience; OR A bachelor's degree plus two years of social services experience; OR An advanced degree in a social sciences field plus one year of social services experience.
• Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
• Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

Nice To Haves

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build trust with diverse populations
• Commitment to advocacy and empowerment
• Experience in peer support or similar roles
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Lived experience and Peer Support Specialist certification or training are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate care and provide support services for individuals with behavioral health and/or addiction disorders.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate community-based resources and referrals within established service parameters.
• Collaborate with agency staff, clients, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
• Research and identify the most suitable resources based on the specific needs of each client.
• Deliver identified resources and referrals directly to persons served.
• Oversee peer support services as assigned by the Division Director.
• Maintain respectful, empathetic, and non-discriminatory interactions with all persons served.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level