The Counselor II is a behavioral health professional who provides clinical expertise to CORAS Wellness multidisciplinary treatment teams responsible for the delivery of effective treatment services to the clients served under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and Program Director. The Counselor II is an effective clinician with experience in providing a variety of clinical services to persons with psychiatric and substance use disorders. The Counselor II provides support in the development of comprehensive assessments and treatment plans, delivery of a wide range of clinical and supportive services and working collaboratively with the treatment team and other service provides. The Counselor II utilizes evidence-based practices, including Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Relapse Prevention, Self-Help, and medication assisted treatment, to effectively intervene and support wellness and recovery with clients experiencing behavioral issues.
- RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Direct Duties: Counselor II shall be responsible for the following:
- Provides integrated psychiatric and substance abuse disorders services to identified clients including creating, coordinating, and monitoring recovery plans and services provided by treatment teams with a focus on goals determined by the individual being served;
- Provides individual, couple, family; and group therapy under the supervision of a clinical supervisor and coordinates services related to education, employment, housing, behavioral health, medical and financial needs;
- Delivers effective wellness and recovery services in accordance with policies and procedures; state and federal regulations and extant professional, ethical, and legal principles;
- Utilizes motivational enhancement (e.g., developing discrepancies, psycho-education) to improve treatment engagement and participation;
- Uses evidence-based practices, including trauma-informed care, motivational enhancement therapy, relapse prevention, and medication assisted treatment;
- Uses a stage-wise treatment model that is non-confrontational and considers interactions between psychiatric and substance abuse disorders;
- Follows a harm reduction model, including individual and/or group interventions focused on developing motivation for improving wellness and support recovery; developing skills to minimize problematic behavior; and recognized the negative consequences of substance abuse and other problematic behavior.
- Provides ongoing assessment (e.g., stage of readiness to change, individual-determined problem identification).
- Maintains an effective therapeutic alliance with clients;
- Maintains the electronic clinical record for assigned clients to include the following:
- Written comprehensive assessments, using the forms approved by the agency, and completed within 24 hours from time of service, based on state regulations;
- Preparation and presentation of treatment plans, including each family’s goals, within assigned time-frame;
- Documentation of services and response to treatment to include completion of progress notes and summaries within 24 hours of time of services, based on state regulations; and;
- Documentation required for billing to third parties;
- Participates in recovery team conferencing to create and implement recovery plans for clients;
- Refers and links clients to needed services both internal and external to CORAS Wellness and Behavioral Health;
- Follows up to see that referrals to other services are received;
- Coordinates the provision of medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse services;
- Works with community agencies to develop needed resources;
- Provides support and consultation to client’s family and natural supporters;
- Documents and keeps staff informed of all changes in the client’s mental or social status;
- Provides education and works as an advocate for the clients in the community;
- Meets weekly billing target and face to face clinical hours as determined and communicated by the Leadership Team;
- Performs other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing.
- Other Responsibilities:
- Displays a competent knowledge of agency policy and procedures as well as Federal and State Regulations;
- Encourages staff/clients while demonstrating self-initiative in problem solving;
- Maintains confidentiality, proper boundaries and an ethical relationship with clients and co-workers accordingly to Company’s policies as their Delaware Professional Board Regulations;
- Assist in the development of data collection and analysis of the quality improvement projects;
- Ensures all client records are maintained according to agency standards, policies and procedures;
- Engages in professional development; responsible for keeping current in the field. Completes seminars and/or continuing education programs, as appropriate to update knowledge about addiction and mental health services;
- Ensures client’s file documentation and other reports are up to date;
- Completes annual educational program as required;
- Participates in the development of quality improvement activities designed to enhance agency and program services;
- Performs additional duties as required.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Worked in the substance use treatment field for less than five years, AND;
- A Student enrolled in a course of study while completing a practicum or internship, AND;
- Working toward full certification in addictions counseling or co-occurring counseling by the Delaware Certification Board or nationally recognized certification organization.
- Preferred Education
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related discipline.
- REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Ability to deal with diverse populations
- Ability to route patient's problems and concerns to appropriate sources
- Ability to stay within boundaries of the role and function of position
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to recognize and de-escalate stressful situations
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to evaluate and comprehend techniques, procedures and changes to meet variable situations
- Able to effectively communicate with supervisors and directors to improve his/her skills and adapt to Agency culture and policies.
- NETWORK FUNCTIONS:
- Maintain and abides by OSHA requirements and guidelines
- Observes all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures
- Observes all Personnel Policies and Procedures
- Observes all Agency’s Policies and Procedures
- Observes all DE DOH-DHSS, CARF and DSAMH Regulations.
- Observes all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintains confidentiality
- Completes and returns all paperwork distributed by the Human Resource Department
- Attends all required and scheduled trainings and meetings
- Always maintain a professional demeanor and exercise good professional judgment in all areas of employment duties
- Documents time worked accurately
- EQUIPMENT/MACHINES:
- EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS:
- Telephone, cellular telephone, copier, fax, computer, calculator
- COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS:
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- Computer literacy in MS Office products; Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point.
- Agency Electronic Medical Record and other software programs
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Individual must be able to meet physical requirements of the job:
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- Sitting at a meeting table or desk - Reaching - Lifting - Bending - Standing - Stooping - Twisting - Climbing steps - Driving a vehicle
- ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE:
- Blood borne Pathogens, Right- To- Know, HIPAA, Security Acts, Fire & Safety
- WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Office environment.
- Multiple levels of stairs.
- ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW:
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- The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation
The statements on these pages reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified. These statements shall not be considered as the detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. We rely on good judgement, common sense and Teamwork.
From time-to-time you may be requested to perform other duties essential in the effective management of this facility. Although these duties may not be identified in this written job description, you will be required to perform such tasks, providing the proper training of such duties has been given to you. A well-trained and cross-trained staff is essential in this organization. Your job knowledge in all areas of your field will benefit both you and this organization.
The more you know and the more areas you can work in this office will add value to you, as a person, as well as value and continued success of CORAS.
