Counselor Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, provides counseling services to individuals and groups with mental health, alcohol/substance abuse and related behavioral issues using established protocols.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advocates for clients and families to receive relevant services beyond the scope of work of behavior health.
• Assists clients to identify and prioritize needs and problems; provides education on independent living and identifies, evaluates and prioritizes needs; establishes and develops agreed upon treatment goals and plans.
• Performs initial screening to determine appropriateness and eligibility of services; conducts intake and orients new clients.
• Assists individuals and family members by referring them to other agencies for medical, psychological, education, training, employment, spiritual, or other needs.
• Respond to Indian Health Services emergency room or community natural disasters for consultation. Awareness and educational presentation to organization on Behavioral Health issues.
• Presentations to departments, programs, schools, communities and conferences.
• Provides case management and maintains client case records; keeps clients records/charts updated to include, progress notes, evaluations, contacts, and other data or reports as required.
• Provides crisis intervention by responding to client's needs during acute emotional and/or physical stress; may respond to on-call emergencies; Responds to emergencies that may arise such as, suicides, natural disasters, mental health and substance abuse on weekends and/or holidays.
• May be stationed at schools to provide counseling as needed.
• Provides individual, group, couples, and family counseling to assist the client in the goal of achieving and maintaining a life of healthy balance and a clean and sober lifestyle, if applicable.
• Maintains positive relations with community members, organizations and agencies by educating and informing on healthy lifestyles, improving communication and family life, living with trauma and loss, substance abuse, recovery related topics, and available services and resources.
• Transports clients to and from service agencies or outside activities, as needed.
• Attends scheduled meetings with staff, various social service entities and social security to discuss client's needs.
• Maintains confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Complies with the rules of confidentiality and privacy outlined by HIPAA.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of the 12 step program.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge in records management procedures.
• Knowledge of the Core Functions of a Substance Abuse Counselor.
• Knowledge of the Diagnostic Criteria DSM-IV-TR.
• Skill in conducting interviews, individual and group therapy sessions with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to conduct mental exam and provide provisional Diagnostic Criteria Diagnosis (DSM-IV-TR).
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to treat both staff and patients with respect.
• Ability to be friendly and empathic communicator.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Counseling or closely related field and three years' work experience in behavioral health related field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.