Advanced Professional Counselor (40 Hour)

Introduction We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional to support individuals on their recovery journey from mental health and substance use challenges. Schedule 1st shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Full‑time, 40 hours per week What We Can Offer You Access to a comprehensive suite of state employee benefits Opportunities for professional growth and development A commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance Position Highlights Clinical oversight through chart audits, documentation review, and staff supervision Development and evaluation of individualized treatment plans with measurable goals Delivery of advanced clinical services, including therapy, crisis intervention, and risk assessment Collaboration with hospitals, community agencies, and behavioral health providers to coordinate care Ensuring safety, ethical compliance, confidentiality, and effective use of electronic health records Overview In a state agency behavioral health program as part of a multi‑disciplinary team at one or more locations, this class is accountable for skilled clinical counseling treatment and leadership services involving complex case assignments. Responsibilities Independently provide highly skilled direct professional counseling treatment services to clients with complex emotional, behavioral or interpersonal problems through comprehensive clinical assessments and provision of individual, family and group treatment. Provide individual field work instruction and/or clinical supervision which includes instruction in use of comprehensive psychosocial assessments, case management, needs assessment and supportive counseling. Develop and maintain comprehensive treatment and/or rehabilitation plans including measurable treatment objectives. Initiate consultation and collaboration with other mental health providers to improve delivery of current services and/or identify unmet needs within the current service system. Assist in resolution of administrative, personnel and clinical issues in the program. Develop data for statistical and planning systems and/or research and publication. Prepare administrative reports and suggest operational policies and procedures. Oversee development and/or implementation of individual client treatment plans. May be assigned administrative oversight of research projects. May provide expert testimony to courts. May represent the program in liaison relationships with other community agencies and resources. May chair or serve on unit committees that develop services for clients. Perform related duties as required. Qualifications One (1) year of experience as a licensed professional counselor. Considerable knowledge of counseling principles, methodology, casework and techniques, including family and interpersonal dynamics. Knowledge of statutes, regulations and standards related to mental health services and state law governing licensed professional counselor practice standards. Considerable interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to integrate theory and case material in assessing and devising comprehensive treatment plans for difficult and/or complex case assignments. Lead task groups including but not limited to treatment teams. Experience working with community‑based outpatient mental health and substance use treatment programs. Experience conducting crisis assessments and risk assessments in high‑acuity settings. Experience supervising staff and supporting professional development within clinical teams. Experience working in diverse and inclusive environments. Experience collaborating with community providers, local hospitals, police departments, and outpatient clinical teams. Experience using Office 365 applications, especially Word and Excel. Experience using Electronic Medical Record systems (such as WITS). May be required to have knowledge of sign language and communication ability with the deaf and hearing impaired in certain designated positions. May be required to have ability in Spanish oral and written communication in certain designated positions. May be required to travel. Special Requirements Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license to practice professional counselor work pursuant to Sec. 20‑195 (aa‑jj) of the Connecticut General Statutes. Incumbents may be required to have knowledge of sign language and communication ability with the deaf and hearing impaired, and/or ability in Spanish in certain designated positions. Incumbents may be required to travel. Working Conditions Incumbents may be exposed to some risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive clients. Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. All structural and recruiting processes comply with the Connecticut State Code of Ethics ( #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut - DMHAS SW Mental Health