OPUS Mental Health Counselor

Counselor Position

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.

Essential job functions include taking calls from referrals and referral-sources and promptly scheduling sessions with eligible citizens. Complete assessments, treatment plans, and clinical case notes. Conduct screenings and assessments of referrals in custody at the jail. Participate in staff meetings in support of treatment courts as needed. Conduct a variety of evidence-based counseling strategies (including CBT and MI) that match the client and the client's treatment goals. Maintain a high standard of clinical documentation. Monitor progress in treatment and update treatment plans as necessary to ensure the proper standard of care is delivered to every citizen receiving services. With proper releases, collaborate with probation officers, Treatment Courts, Public Defenders Office, and others to ensure continuity of care. Provide some case management functions to assist clients in accessing other services and benefits. Provide services to eligible participants on both a voluntary and involuntary basis. Participate in meetings and community groups to represent the program and inform stakeholders of services and treatment offered. Build and nurture positive professional relationships with other county program employees to facilitate referrals for services to citizens in need. Perform the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

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.

The offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.

• Medical/Health Insurance
• Employee Life Insurance
• Florida Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits.

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:

1. New Years Day
2. Martin Luther King Day
3. Memorial Day
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day
6. Labor Day
7. Veterans' Day
8. Thanksgiving Day
9. Friday following Thanksgiving
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)
11. Christmas Day
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)
13. 2 Floating Holidays (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays. Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2 .

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.