Counselor-Cortland

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of an Assistant Director or the Program Director, the Counselor provides support and assistance to clients at one of the Progress programs, housed in multi-level facilities. The Counselor is primarily responsible for advocating for and responding to the treatment and rehabilitation needs of the clients. Specific functions include:

I. Essential Functions

1. Conduct intake interviews with prospective clients.
2. Orient new clients to the program and facility or facilitate peer orientation.
3. Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies professionally and promptly, including crisis intervention.
4. Assist in evacuations during emergencies such as fire or earthquakes.
5. Develop and support treatment plans with client participation.
6. Communicate with referral sources and treatment personnel regarding client treatment.
7. Complete intake and discharge paperwork; maintain client progress records.
8. Participate in discharge planning for smooth client transition.
9. Lead or co-lead group sessions and activities as scheduled.
10. Manage case responsibilities for clients as assigned.
11. Relay shift information and monitor medication adherence.
12. Participate in meal planning and join clients during meals.
13. Attend staff meetings, supervision, and case consultations.
14. Consult with supervisors on case reviews and other issues.
15. Maintain the physical plant, report maintenance issues, and perform minor household tasks.
16. Report suspected client abuse as per policy and law.
17. Promote social rehabilitation philosophy among staff and clients.
18. Work overnight, awake and alert shifts.
19. Follow all laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
20. Perform additional duties as assigned.
21. Notify supervisors of personal circumstances affecting job performance.

Functions for Persons with Disabilities (ADA)

1. Lead or participate in outings and recreational activities.
2. Shop for household items with clients.
3. Drive clients to treatment destinations.
4. Attend programmatic and administrative meetings as a representative.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in a mental health-related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in residential treatment or social rehabilitation preferred.
• At least one year's experience in community mental health preferred.
• Effective communication skills.
• Good judgment and emotional stability as judged by Progress Foundation.
• Ability to negotiate stairs and lift 20 lbs.
• Clearance with California State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.
• Training certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Basic word processing skills and computer proficiency as required by local health services.