Counselor II - Health & Wellness

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Gather relevant client information though screening, assessments and the taking of case histories; evaluate informational findings to determine client treatment and intensity needs
• Formulate an individualized program structure that systemically addresses client mental health and/or wellness treatment needs
• Provide therapeutic interventions as appropriate for clients in crisis situations
• Based on assessed needs, refer clients to other treatment/supportive needs services, such as medically based providers, psychological evaluations and other treatment arenas and/or support groups
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions as appropriate to licensure level and within the guidelines of the Department's clinical structure
• Provide treatment oriented educational-based group facilitation following guidelines and protocols consistent with the Department's chosen treatment modality
• Provide clinically-based training to additional professionals within the department on a variety of topics or as assigned
• Provide clinically-based guidance/supervision to other addiction and behavioral health professionals of lower licensure levels with the department
• Initiate and maintain accurate case files; document notes relevant to provided care; maintain record of referrals and related forms
• Prepare documents for presentation; prepare detailed client progress reports as required
• Maintain ethical standards of practice, professional competence, conduct and integrity, confidentiality, responsibility to clients and responsibility to the profession per New Mexico occupation and professional licensing board standards.
• Attend staff meetings, team conferences and community outreach interests, as assigned
• Maintain professional growth through participation in focused CEU trainings geared towards the populations served. Work towards CCHC-MH certification during employment.
• Maintain client caseload from outpatient clinic and detention center
• Additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by Clinical Manager and/or Director
Counselor II - Health & Wellness - Job Specs Page 2
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
• Current and valid New Mexico licensure as a Licensed Psychologist (LP), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
o OR a current provisional license from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department in any of the above-mentioned license types may conditionally serve to satisfy the licensure requirement. The provisional license shall only serve in meeting the licensure requirement for as long as it remains valid. Failure to maintain an active licensure status shall violate the conditional employment.
• Three (3) years of experience in alcohol/substance abuse treatment or mental health counseling.
Experience:
• Knowledge of alcohol in substance abuse theory and treatment; knowledge of a range of treatment modalities used in treating substance abuse; knowledge of community-based service programs utilized in treating substance abuse clients.
• Knowledge of behavioral health related theory and treatment; knowledge of a range of treatment modalities used in treating persons diagnosed with behavioral health disorders; knowledge of community-based service programs utilized in treating substance abuse clients.
• Knowledge of operations and activities of an addiction treatment program.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to clients' rights.
• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate and modify therapeutic program services based up the clients' needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to write reports containing technical information.
• Ability to utilize discretion and independent judgment; must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of client records.
• Skilled in the use of computers to general reports and maintain records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working interactions with management, coworkers, County officials and the general public.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) desirable.
Certifications, Skills and Licenses:
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
• Valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Computer literacy required; knowledge of word processing and database management software strongly preferred.
• Licensed at the minimum level of a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate required (see experience requirements