Counselor

Make a difference everyday!

WEBSTER CANTRELL YOUTH ADVOCACY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position : Counselor

Reports To : Clinical Director

Status : Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION :

As a member of the Agency multi-disciplinary team, assumes primary responsibility for all individual, group, and family counseling for clients in program(s) to which assigned, as recommend­ed in the client's treatment plan. Also, participates in the client assessment process, and in the development, monitoring, and revision of the client treatment plan.

INFORMATION PRIVACY AND SECURITY LEVEL:

In accord with federal and state legislative mandates, individuals employed in this position are trained to, and function within a Level II-B security clearance for confidentiality of client protected health information, and other privileged information. Appropriate sanctions will be applied against employees who fail to comply with the privacy policies and procedures of the Agency.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Hold a minimum of bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field or a bachelor's degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• At least one (1) year of experience in casework or counseling.
• Have promising professional competency supported by an excellent academic record, professional references, and a stable work history.
• Have excellent inter­personal skills.
• Have the ability to respond with discretion and professionalism at all times when dealing with confidential or sensitive matters.
• Have the ability to organize and prioritize work and to meet deadlines.
• Have a current Illinois Driver's license and proof of state requirement for insurance.
• Ability to pass a background check.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS REQURIED:

• Ability to engage in daily, full-time attendance, defined as 40 hours per week.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle during both day and night hours.
• Reasonably good natural or corrected vision and hearing, and the ability to use the telephone.
• Excellent proficiency in handwriting and computer use, and in the use of clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain calm efficiency and effectiveness in stressful and demanding situa­tions.
• The ability to move physically about the Agency's owned buildings and grounds, and to use stairways (especially in emergencies).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Function as a Member of the Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Team :

• Within the context of providing a therapeutic environment for all clients, facilitate the development of their healthy interpersonal relationships and independence toward the goal of teaching and improving the functional level of the client by working with all other staff comprising the treatment team, as well as working directly with and on behalf of the client.
• Analyze needs, and provide counseling services to achieve family stabilization, school adjustment, and individual functioning improvement.
• Participate in the assessment of each assigned client, using professional interview techniques and analysis, for the implementation of counseling services as recommended in the client's treatment plan.
• Provide regular counseling for each assigned client including sessions in the client's home, community as well as the office.
• Where possible, maintain contact, via home visits and outreach, with family members, and assist them in the implementa­tion of the client goals and objectives.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary staffings, reviews, and/or consultations when indicated and provide consultation and, as needed, function as a resource to team members who are qualified as Mental Health Professionals (MHP) or Rehabilitative Services Associates (RSA).
• Attend and participate in court hearings as required.
• Be responsible for the timely maintenance of accurate and legible required reports, monthly and quarterly summaries, and client case records.
• Ensure that all services delivered to clients are accurately and legibly recorded in individual client record progress notes, and include the specific service delivered, the start and end time of the service delivery, the duration of the service delivery, the place of service delivery, and are signed by the staff delivering the service.
• Participate in the mandated Utilization Review process of the Agency.
• Treat all information concerning clients and their families in any Agency program with absolute confidentiality.

Miscellaneous Functions :

• Attend training events, seminars, and conferences as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.