Counselor

Employee Type Regular Full-Time Job Description The Counselor II - Outreach will be responsible for working with homeless individuals with psychiatric disabilities in various settings such as on the streets, shelters, hospitals, and jail. In collaboration with other providers—including law enforcement, county personnel, and more—the Counselor will identify homeless and mentally ill persons and work with them throughout the MCHOME enrollment process. The role includes arranging clients’ medical, mental health, shelter, and income/benefit needs during this process, and working closely with other homeless service providers to ensure clients’ needs are met as they transition out of homelessness. The Counselor II – Outreach works onsite at assigned location(s). Who We Are Looking to make a difference? Our mission at Interim is to provide services and affordable housing to support members of our community with mental illness by building productive and satisfying lives in a world in which people with mental illness can live, work, learn and participate fully in the community. Join our team and instill hope in the community. What We Offer Competitive Compensation Tuition reimbursement for eligible positions Clinical licenses and training reimbursement for eligible positions Loan repayment for eligible positions Generous health, vision, dental, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and life insurance coverage for full‑time employees Monthly payment in lieu of insurance coverage for eligible positions 403(b) Retirement Plan with Interim matching contribution Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; earn up to 24 days of vacation in your first year Professional development and learning opportunities BBS registered supervisors onsite for ongoing Clinical Supervision Annual employee recognition and staff appreciation events Employee referral bonus program Offers flexible work schedules A fulfilling career while providing a family‑centered focus and work‑life balance Compensation $28.57 - $40.97 per hour. Non‑exempt; 40 hours/week; eligible for overtime. Compensation based on education and experience. If hired into a licensed program, the position is eligible for an additional hourly pay incentive on top of the base rate. Reports To Program Director, Outreach Coordinator Qualifications Required: High school diploma or GED; one year of work experience in mental health and/or substance use disorder field. A BA in a related field may substitute for experience. Lived experience as a consumer or family member is valued, as is a combination of education and work experience in mental health or related field. Good written and oral English communication skills, word‑processing and data‑entry/retrieval skills preferred; ability/willingness to learn computer skills required. Ability to work as a member of a team, accept supervision, maintain appropriate boundaries while working in close interpersonal relationships, and apply principles of social rehabilitation, client‑centered and trauma‑informed services. Ability to be organized, responsible, flexible, empathetic and to relate effectively with clients, other staff, professionals and community members. Knowledge of community resources desirable. Drivers’ license held for at least two years and a driving record acceptable to insurance carrier. Valid California driver’s license, auto in safe operating condition, auto liability insurance, good driving record, criminal record clearance, proof of authorization to work in the United States as required by immigration law. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Preferred: B.A. in a related field. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Evaluate and provide services for individuals identified as homeless and having a psychiatric disability. Coordinate services, arrange appointments, and provide assistance with obtaining benefits, food, clothing, shelter, and other personal items. Provide client‑centered, trauma‑informed supportive counseling focusing on the present. Listen, respond empathically, and engage clients in a solution‑focused approach. In tandem with clients, identify strengths, barriers, and mental health or substance use symptoms. Assist clients in self‑management skills. Ongoing assessment for risk factors such as suicidality, violence, and frequency of substance use. Identify, assess, and respond to crisis situations. Set clear limits, ensuring client and staff safety. Work closely with the Program Director in identifying appropriate clientele, services provided, and moving clients to/thru the assessment process for possible enrollment into the MCHOME program or for appropriate referral elsewhere. Establish and maintain linkage with other agencies, including mental health psychiatrists, primary care physicians, case coordinators, homeless and housing providers, social security and other community resources, and self‑help groups. Attend relevant meetings with community providers, as directed by the Program Director. Maintain legible, accurate, and timely documentation. Participate in the on‑call rotation, providing crisis support and emergency coverage for Counselor II staff. Identify mental illness and substance use symptoms and assist clients with developing symptom‑management skills. Teach and assist clients with practicing mental illness/substance use relapse prevention and independent living skills. Facilitate family meetings and/or house meetings, and social events, as appropriate. Participate in staff meetings: communicate and collaborate with other staff regarding clients’ needs and program, agency, and other business. Other duties as assigned by the Outreach Coordinator or Director. Physical Requirements Ability to operate a motor vehicle; climb stairs; possess good communication skills; meet classification requirements including mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Capable of walking, standing, sitting, and climbing stairs continuously; capable of stooping, kneeling, lifting 25 pounds or more, lifting bags of groceries, bending to clean, and assisting in moving clients’ belongings. Miscellaneous This job description is intended to reflect accurately the qualifications and job duties. Current management reserves the right to revise the job at any time when circumstances change. This description replaces all previous descriptions for this position. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Interim, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Interim Inc. is guided by the precept that, in no aspect of its programs, services or employment practices, discrimination is permitted because of race, color, national origin, gender, age, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, citizen status, veteran status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristic protected by state or federal law. To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, reasonable accommodations are made for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, unless hardship or direct threat to health or safety or other job‑related consideration exists. Individuals who feel that they have been unlawfully discriminated against because of membership in one of the protected classes should contact the Director of Human Resources, Interim, Inc., PO Box 3222, Monterey, CA 93942. View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr