Clinical Counselor

Job DescriptionCompany Description

The Ernest E. Kennedy Center originally established as the Berkeley County Commission on\r\nAlcohol and Drug Abuse in 1972 serving as an alcohol and drug information and referral agency. In\r\n1973, the early intervention concept was introduced, focusing on intervention prior to treatment. To\r\nfulfill a need for a more intensive level of care the agency began offering individual, group and family\r\ncounseling.\r\nIn 1975, the agency began to expand on the concept of reaching employees through their\r\nemployers. To accommodate the increase in the number of clients being served, the need to offer a\r\nbroader scope of services, and in an effort to be accessible to persons served, the agency expanded\r\nthe clinical staff and facilities to include a satellite office. In the late 1970’s there was an increase in\r\nthe number of convictions related to substances. As a result, a collaborative effort began between the\r\nagency and law enforcement agencies to provide treatment as an alternative to incarceration.\r\nThe early 1980’s were a time when substance abuse became more prevalent in our\r\ncommunities and schools. In response to this, the agency entered into a Memorandum of Agreement\r\nwith the school system allowing the agency to provide different levels of care to students referred\r\nfrom the schools.\r\nIt became apparent in the late 1980’s that the agency could not continue to effectively treat the\r\nincreasing numbers impacted by alcohol and other drugs. As a result, the Prevention philosophy was\r\nintroduced. Prevention provides education to all ages and an opportunity for all citizens to participate\r\nin alternative lifestyles through alcohol and other drug prevention sponsored programs.\r\nIn 1993, the agency relocated to a new facility, which was designed specifically to meet the\r\nneeds of the alcohol and drug clientele. The Board of Directors honored the agency’s former\r\nExecutive Director of Twenty-two years of dedicated service to the community by naming the facility\r\nThe Ernest E Kennedy Center.\r\nIn 1996, it was agreed by the Berkeley County Council and Commission that the agency would\r\nbecome an independent entity no longer affiliated as a dependent of Berkeley County Government.\r\nAs a result of that determination, the Commission was incorporated as The Ernest E. Kennedy Center\r\nInc., it continues to provide that above-described mission and services to the citizens of Berkeley\r\nCounty. The Kennedy Center remains the County Authority for treatment and prevention of substance\r\nabuse disorders.\r\n\r\nMission:\r\nTo provide comprehensive behavioral health services that promote health and improve quality of life.\r\nVision:\r\nTo work in conjunction with our collaborative partners to establish a healthy and drug free Berkeley\r\nCounty.\r\nValues\r\nThe Ernest E. Kennedy Center is a private, not for profit agency providing comprehensive behavioral\r\nhealth services to promote the health and quality of life for citizens in our communities. Any individual\r\nin need is eligible to receive services without regard to race, religion, disability, national origin, or\r\ngender.\r\nOur services will:\r\n Protect the dignity and privacy of the individuals served.\r\n Provide affordable services to those in need.\r\n Be empirically advised and clinically sound\r\nOur staff will:\r\n Be friendly, courteous, and efficient.\r\n Observe the highest ethical and practical standards.\r\n Respond with empathy and compassion to the needs of the individuals we serve.\r\nOur service site will:\r\n Be accessible to all individuals.\r\n Be safe, hospitable and well organized.\r\n Be governed by business practices that are efficient, accountable, and honest.\r\nOur management practices will:\r\n Promote respect and dignity of all staff.\r\n Encourage continuing professional development.\r\n Support staff participation in community activities.