MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Work with great people doing great things! Buckelew Programs is hiring relief Mental Health Counselors for the Casa Rene program, a short-term residential facility that offers stabilizing care in a home-like setting for adults experiencing an acute mental health crisis.

In this role you will provide direct support to Casa Rene clients, promoting recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. You will work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Relief positions work shifts as they become available and are a great way to gain hands-on experience in the behavioral healthcare field.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues.
• Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records.

Client Support Responsibilities

• Teach and assist clients in performing daily living activities, adjusting support based on client readiness and independence levels.
• Monitor and report on client well-being, including mood and behavior. Ensure and model adherence to agency safety protocols.
• Support clients with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation, offering skill-building assistance as appropriate.
• Provide medication prompts, ensure proper storage, monitor adherence, and support timely refills as required by program guidelines.
• Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; support clients in learning and using public transportation.
• Assist clients with attending and coordinating medical appointments.

Household and Maintenance Responsibilities

• Perform general housekeeping tasks (e.g., vacuuming, dishwashing, dusting) as needed.
• Conduct basic maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors) and report major repair needs to the supervisor.
• Maintain adequate household supplies and restock as needed.

Program Quality and Compliance

• Deliver services that align with program goals, emphasizing client progress and satisfaction.
• Comply with all legal, regulatory, and contractual standards (e.g., CARF, Medi-Cal, HUD) and maintain program certifications and licensing requirements.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders preferred.
• Successful completion of Peer Specialist training and a passing score on the certification exam within six months required for full-time status.

Professional Requirements

• Fluent in English; bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a calm, organized, and empathetic manner.
• Interest and comfort in working with individuals with behavioral health needs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) at a basic to intermediate level.
• Must be a dependable, flexible, and collaborative team player.
• Valid California driver's license, an insurable driving record, and access to a personal, insured vehicle required.
• Ability to pass a Live Scan background check, as required by program regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform intermittent physical activities including sitting, standing, driving, talking, listening, seeing, bending, squatting, reaching, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), and using hands for grasping or typing.
• Capacity for sustained physical activity such as driving, writing, standing, or computer work.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.