Counselor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), Masters in Counseling (MA/MS)
• Registration with California Board of Behavioral Sciences as Associate Social Worker (ASW) or Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT) or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) required
• Minimum 2 year experience providing direct service in programs serving mentally ill adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, or similar populations.
• Must have LPS designation or be qualified in a timely manner by the LA County Department of Mental Health to write involuntary holds per section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institution Code within 6 months of onboarding.
• Must demonstrate proficiency with data entry and navigating multiple data systems such as HMIS, Carelogic, Service Request Log (SRL), and Service Request Tracking System (SRTS).
• Must be able to obtain security clearance to enter jails.
• Ability to provide a welcoming environment and skill in engaging new members.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of, and dedication to, the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Model of mental health treatment, community integration, and hope in recovery.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with key stakeholders, mental health consumers and their family or client advocates, vendors and other staff.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to summarize comprehensive diagnostic and biopsychosocial information in narrative form.
• Dedication to maintaining our agency's egalitarian and compassionate culture, and high quality of services delivered.
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment.
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all Full Service Partnership (FSP) inquiries and referrals from DMH, the community, and/or family members.
• Responsible for completing all FSP intakes and clinical needs assessments.
• Provide clinical consultation and support as needed to program staff.
• Notifies Program Manager and Assistant Manager of urgent and non-urgent referrals.
• Coordinates movement for members referred to MHALA from one doorkeeper to another – and consults on and mediates decision making.
• Provides support to staff involved in initial contact. Directly and indirectly provides services to prospective members while they are in the outreach /transition phase.
• Provide oversight in maintaining SRTS referrals, begin outreach/engagement in accordance to contract requirement and enter O & E notes in SRTS.
• Maintains all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements; Must meet billing and productivity goal of 65 hours monthly.
• Ensure that all data collection is entered into MHALA’s EHR (electronic health record system) within 24 hours from the date of service delivery.
• Must possess the skills and ability to tolerate and respond safely to environmental variables and actively engage in processes and practices (i.e. Pro-Act) that enhance the probability of the best possible outcome for everyone.
• Facilitates MHALA relationship with referral sources / community.
• Oversees MHALA FSP referrals, tracks outcomes and looks for a need to expand the menu of services if called for.
• Provide psychosocial therapy to identified members by the clinical director. Assist the team with crisis risk assessment support.
• Must complete psychosocial assessments and LOCUS or CANS with individuals meeting contract requirement.
• Must attend clinical meetings and collaborate with other teams to review mutual member care.
• Explain governmental benefits, requirements and procedures, including eligibility requirements to members and fellow staff.
• Must be willing to travel to jails, courts, hospitals, various children’s agency, within and out of community if needed. Willing to transport members upon approved referral and maintenance of care.

Benefits

• employee assistance program
• generous paid time off
• competitive salary
• full benefits package