MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR - Full-time

Description

Join Buckelew Programs and you will play a pivotal role in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. 

We are hiring a new Mental Health Counselor to join our Casa Rene program, a short-term, crisis residential / social rehabilitation facility. In this role, you will provide direct support to clients as they work toward recovery and greater independence. As a Mental Health Counselor, you will offer assistance with independent living skills in a way that promotes dignity, self-sufficiency and recovery. You will work collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to supporting client wellness and independence. This is an onsite position working Thursday and Friday,  3:30 pm - 11:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 4 pm - 12 am. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative

• Work as part of team, providing prompt communication to all members.
• Maintain accurate, timely and complete assigned documentation standards including client notations, mileage reports, etc.

Client Responsibilities

• Teach, assist and support clients in all aspects of activities of daily living that is helpful yet responsive to their readiness to take on increased responsibility.
• Observe, monitor and report general tone and mood of clients. Ensure agency safety protocols are implemented and adhered too. Assist clients in practicing and implementing appropriate safety protocols. Act as positive role model.
• Assist clients with shopping, meal planning and cooking daily; teaching skills as necessary.
• Provide medication prompts and reminders and assure that medications are refilled in a timely manner. Provide medication assistance, proper storage of medications, and monitor client medication adherence as directed by specific program site.
• Provide transportation in personal and agency vehicles as directed. Teach use of public transportation system. Assist clients to maintain all medical appointments.

Maintenance Responsibilities

• Perform general housekeeping tasks (vacuuming, dishwashing, dusting, etc.) as needed.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks (light bulbs, smoke detectors, loose screws, air filters, etc.). Report all major repairs needed to supervisor.
• Ensure adequate household supplies; obtain and transport supplies as needed and directed.

Program Quality and Compliance

• Assure all services provided meet the highest standards of care. Ensure that services are delivered in a manner that facilitates progress toward identifiable client goals while maintaining a reasonable degree of client satisfaction.
• Ensure that all legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements applicable to the program are adhered to and/or delivered, including compliance with program certifications as required (e.g., CARF, MediCal Regulations, HUD, etc.) and all licensing requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Applicants who meet the following education/experience requirements will be classified as a Mental Health Counselor I:

• High School diploma or equivalent. Experience with people with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues is preferred. 

Applicants who meet the following education/experience requirements will be classified as a Mental Health Counselor II:  

• AA degree + 6 years experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restorations, social adjustment or vocational adjustment
• BA/BS degree + 4 years experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restorations, social adjustment or vocational adjustment
• MA/MS degree + 2 years experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restorations, social adjustment or vocational adjustment

Professional: Must be fluent in English; bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Ability to work in an independent, organized, calm and reassuring manner using good boundaries and good judgment; to be reliable, dependable and flexible; and to accept supervision, suggestions and feedback. Must have interest in working with persons with a behavioral health disability. Ability to work within all the rules, regulations, and policies that govern agency compliance. Organized, responsible, professional, able to work on many projects simultaneously, to be flexible, empathic and able to relate to clients, other professionals, and the general community. Basic to intermediate level skills in MS Office (including Excel, Word and Outlook). Must be a positive team player. Must have and maintain a valid California drivers license with an insurable driving record and insured personal car to use on the job. Must be able to pass Livescan fingerprinting background check (for some programs).

Benefits Offered: Medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent and transit costs, retirement savings plan with company match, eligibility for loan forgiveness, continuing education credits available through our learning management system, discount program, paid meal breaks and generous paid time off.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.