Ryan White Mental Health Counselor

SUMMARY: The Mental Health Counselor provides mental health counseling and case management services to adults and people living with HIV (PLWH) with symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse. The Mental Health Counselor works with members of a multi-disciplinary team to address all treatment needs, including crisis management, substance abuse treatment, medication management, physical health treatment, mental health treatment, accessing benefits and entitlements, accessing appropriate and affordable housing.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in Outreach activities as needed to offer services and engage participants in a non-coercive manner. Escort clients to meetings and appointments as necessary.

Collect information regarding clients’ history through a combination of interviewing, records review, and consultation, after obtaining written consent.

Conduct and document Mental Health Assessments, including mental status exam and clinical formulation.

Conduct SBIRT Assessments and develop a service plan with clients.

Participate in clinical staff meetings and case conferences with team members in order to utilize interdisciplinary expertise and facilitate individual treatment plans for clients;

Complete critical incident reports and critical incident debriefings as needed.

Monitor and assure that the health and safety needs of clients are met.

Conduct educational and therapeutic groups for clients, using an approved curriculum.

Maintain client records, using an electronic medical record, as required by program standards and funding requirements including documentation of clinical interactions, behavioral health assessments & individual service plans.

Attend required meetings and training.

Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to ANIZ policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners’ and outside providers’ patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Advanced knowledge and skills in counseling and assessment techniques with individuals and groups including assessing for risk of danger to self & others.

Advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based treatment and assessment techniques with individuals and groups.

Working knowledge of Assertive Community Treatment, Recovery Models of treatment and Trauma-Informed Care.

Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients, and groups.

Ability to work as a team member, remain flexible and to establish priorities as a group.

Ability to apply principles learned to new situations.

Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Creative, innovative, and progressive problem-solver.

Ability to work effectively with a diverse population.

Ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize the workload, problem-solve, and complete tasks in a timely fashion.

Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a busy and stressful environment.

Ability to be a detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, positive team player.

Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and Microsoft Outlook)

Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude.

Knowledge of community and social service agencies.

Knowledge and skills in mental health treatment methods and crisis intervention.

Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency treatment methods and crisis intervention.

Ability to work courteously and effectively communicate with the general public, clients, medical personnel, corrections personnel, police, and co-workers.

Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree in behavioral health field required. Preference will be given to Licenced Clinicians(LCSW, LPC)

Demonstrated professional leadership experience (either formal or informal)

Has the competencies necessary to:

Identify precipitating events

Gather histories of mental, emotional and physical disabilities, alcohol and drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts;

Assess family, social and work relationships;

Conduct a mental status assessment;

Write and implement or supervise the implementation of a treatment plan;

Conduct and document a mental health assessment;

Provide mental health treatment and rehabilitative services within one’s scope of practice.

Computer literacy.

Must possess a current driver’s license

Must adhere to the agency’s non-discrimination policies.

Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.