Outreach Counselor

JOB INFORMATION
Do you enjoy working with families? Are you interested in Social Work, or looking to make a career change? Are you just starting out in Social Work, and want hands on experience? Make a difference in the lives of at-risk children and families as a Home Base, Inc. Outreach Counselor!

Home Base, Inc. will certify you in Nurturing Parenting, a nationally recognized program which focuses on family-centered trauma-informed initiatives designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices.
We offer a competitive benefits package for eligible full-time employees. This position starts out at part-time, with the possibility of becoming full-time. We offer health insurance, dental and vision, after becoming full-time. IRA after 1 year of full-time services, tuition reimbursement, paid maternity leave, flexible scheduling, and hands-on experience. A full-time Outreach Counselor could expect a possible yearly income of around $50,000.

Overview

Professional Outreach Counselors provide an array of social services, both observational and instructional, to ensure the safety and well-being of children and preserve families when possible. In-home services aim to improve clients’ situations by correcting parental deficits, building necessary life skills, and capitalizing on existing parental strengths.

Foster care services aim to preserve family bonds during periods of separation, while concurrently providing targeted education and support to parents during court ordered improvement periods.

Qualifications

HBI Professional Outreach Counselors possess applicable four year degrees, have experience providing direct service to children and families, and are licensed and insured to operate a motor vehicle in their state of residence.

Applicable four year degrees can include: Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Interpersonal Communication, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, Board of Regents with an emphasis in Human Service, Gerontology, and Family and Consumer Science.

All Outreach Counselors must have a CIB and an APS/CPS screen completed with no negative information.

Organizational Placement

Professional Outreach Counselors report to the Unit Supervisor of the office in which they are employed, and work under the supervision of a Regional Clinical Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

• Establishing personalized service plans for clients and providing systematic interventions targeting deficits and capitalizing on strengths.
• Opening cases within mandated time frames. Scheduling visits with clients at a minimum of once weekly or as specified by the DHHR case manager.
• Providing services within the defined boundaries of the APS Healthcare Utilization Management Guidelines Manual.
• Adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics as well as the ASO Code of Conduct in all professional matters.
• Documenting all attempted and actual contacts with clients including specific intervention tactics and client response.
• Submitting documentation by specified deadlines.
• Communicating closely with DHHR case managers to provide updates and relay important behavioral information regarding clients.
• Maintaining well-ordered client records with chronological intervention notes.
• Participating in Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings as an advocate for respectful communication as well as fair and reasonable recommendations.
• Testifying in court regarding client behavior, compliance and progress. Discharging cases from service promptly after case closure. Attending Staff meetings and training as mandated. Participating in monthly Clinical Supervision.
• Working to continuously improve practice and intervention skills, as well as professional and administrative competencies.
• Using clinical and supervisory feedback to self-monitor and refine skills. Working cooperatively with co-workers to create a pleasant and supportive office atmosphere.
• Elevating the esteem of the social service profession by consistently demonstrating respect for others, personal integrity, and direct and honest communication with clients and professional colleagues.
• Offering supportive counseling to clients receiving mental health services.

Job Requirements

• Must be able to pass a Fingerprint Background Check (CIB), and an APS/CPS Background check Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Services related area Required
• Master’s Degree in Social Work and licenses preferred, but not required
• Must be able to communicate effectively with families, children, case workers, and supervisors
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends
• Organizational skills are essential
• Documentation skills are essential
• Time management skills are a must
• Professionalism
• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance
• Must have your own reliable transportation
• Experience with Microsoft Office is essential
• Computer skills are essential

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk up and down stairs
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and follow all motor vehicle laws that apply to West Virginia and the state of which you are a resident
• Must be able to lift 5-50 pounds
• Must be able to kneel, bend, squat, and stand