OPUS Mental Health Counselor

Job Title

Professional Counselor

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work from an accredited university or college OR within six months of earning the Master's degree as shown. If not currently a registered intern, must obtain an intern registration number with the State of Florida within 12 months of employment in this classification. A valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If in the past 24-month period, the record shows more than three moving traffic violations, and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. Must successfully pass a Level 2 background check as specified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Position Summary

This is professional counseling work assigned to Alachua County Community Support Services Department, OPUS and Fire Rescue Department, Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH). An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for screening clients mental and emotional functioning for suitability for levels of treatment, including evaluations to determine diagnoses, the proper level and intensity of treatment, as well as recommendations for treatment. The employee will conduct individual, group, and family counseling to address general mental illness, co-occurring disorders, as well as substance use disorders in an outpatient setting. Work is performed under the general direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Examples of Duties

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Takes calls from referrals and referral-sources and promptly schedules sessions with eligible citizens. Completes assessments, treatment plans, and clinical case notes. Conducts screenings and assessments of referrals in custody at the jail. Participates in staff meetings in support of treatment courts as needed. Conducts a variety of evidence-based counseling strategies (including CBT and MI) that match the client and the client's treatment goals. Maintains a high standard of clinical documentation. Ensures all clinical documentation requirements comply with guidelines set forth by the Florida Administrative Codes Chapter 65D-30, Florida Statutes Chapter 491, and 42 CFR. Monitors progress in treatment and updates treatment plans as necessary to ensure the proper standard of care is delivered to every citizen receiving services. With proper releases, collaborates with probation officers, Treatment Courts, Public Defenders Office, and others to ensure continuity of care. Provides some case management functions to assist clients in accessing other services and benefits. Provides services to eligible participants on both a voluntary and involuntary basis. Participates in meetings and community groups to represent the program and inform stakeholders of services and treatment offered. Builds and nurtures positive professional relationships with other county program employees to facilitate referrals for services to citizens in need. Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency. NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Thorough knowledge of personality development theory. Knowledge of substance use and addiction and treatment. Knowledge of counseling theory (specifically CBT and MI). Knowledge of the DSM-V and appropriate treatments for diagnoses Knowledge of treatment planning and monitoring. Knowledge of professional codes of ethics and standards. Knowledge of trauma informed care. Proficient skill using computer programs like Word, Excel, and internet browsers. Ability to observe client behavior and discern their emotion, level of attention, and congruency of speech. Ability to conceptualize and identify root causes of symptomology and communicate them to the client. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and refrain from fraternizing or engaging in dual relationships with clients. Ability to conduct counseling effectively and adjust approach if needed. Ability to receive constructive professional feedback during supervision. Ability to communicate dissenting opinions in a professional and non-provocative way. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing. Ability to manage time between clinical, administrative, and other duties effectively. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work schedule of 40 hours per week may vary depending upon unit needs and could be a variety of hours and shifts including some evening and weekend hours.