Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselor

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

The Mental Health Counselor provides direct services/case management/coordination of care to an assigned caseload of individuals/families. This position assists in accessing needed supports and resources in the community, facilitates ongoing communication and advocacy between the family, DCF, school, probation and any other involved supports or service providers. This position may also facilitate/co-facilitate groups in accordance to standard practice.

Eligible for a $2,000 sign on bonus! Half at hire and half at 1 year of service.

Salary: $48,000

Education and experience/qualifications: BA/BS degree in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or related field is required. Previous experience working with client population with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. Effective time management, strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Location: New Britain, CT

Schedule: Full time

Employee benefits:

Nurture Your Health:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
• Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Secure Your Future:

• Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company

Fuel Your Career Growth:

• Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
• Access training and development opportunities

Maintain Work-Life Harmony:

• Recharge with generous paid time off, including:
• 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
• 8 sick days per year for your well-being
• 2 personal days per year for your personal needs
• 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
• 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
• Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Develops case management plans or plans of care and provides direct case management services and/or coordination of care specific to each assigned client and/or family (biological, foster and/or other caretakers as indicated), including interventions necessary to increase the probability of treatment completion, build on strengths of the client and/or family and to improve life functioning. Submits and reviews documentation as defined by program.

Demonstrates knowledge of psychopathology, and other behavioral health concerns and primary modalities of psychotherapeutic intervention. Triages clinical emergencies and implements program specific safety and consultation protocols. Utilizes best practices and evidenced based practice models where appropriate and adheres to model and program expectations where applicable.

Provides front line crisis support to individuals and/or families in the program by phone, in-home and/or in the community as needed based on initial assessment of the presenting concerns and program practice parameters. Problem solves by interpreting and adapting guidelines in the field and reviews situational details and assessment with supervisor for a second opinion and consultation.

Makes decisions based on interpretation of the data presented and/or refines the methods and techniques used. Uses judgment to interpret and adapt program guidelines/procedures based on specific concerns/needs/problems presented by client/family.

Demonstrates knowledge of program/department/agency goals and target outcomes, and adheres to practice standards and to data collection and reporting protocols.

Determines the processes and methods to follow based on assessment of the client/family presentation and their strengths; takes a course of action from varying alternatives to provide client/family centered support and care.

Provides group, individual and/or family counseling to clients with appropriate supervision and coordinates treatment phases with both internal and/or external service providers and/or family supports as appropriate.

Maintains records of counseling, coordination of care, child and family team meetings and/or case management activities for reporting and tracking purposes and completes all documentation for client medical records in accordance with documentation timelines and in compliance with Medicaid, licensing and other regulatory requirements/agencies as defined by program.

Supports daily program specific operational functions as required. May transport clients to appointments or linkages as appropriate.

Provides service (evaluation, treatment, wraparound team facilitation, follow-up, case management) in the office and/or community settings outside of the office (e.g., homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, other community locations) and maintains a flexible schedule to ensure services are delivered based on client needs and as defined by the program.

Provides/supports safety planning and crisis intervention/clinical emergencies with appropriate supervision including rotating on-call coverage with other team members to ensure 24 hour availability to clients as required by program.

Participates in the development, implementation, and facilitation of initial treatment plan or plan of care, transition plan and timeline for strategies and next steps as defined by program.

Demonstrates knowledge of internal and external levels of care, referral processes, and resources. Makes clinically appropriate referrals for identified support and service needs in a timely manner.

Meets direct service productivity goals as defined by program, understands program/department/agency guidelines, goals and target outcomes, and adheres to practice standards and to data collection and reporting protocols.

Identifies potential risk factors and takes measures to reduce those risks in the home through appropriate supervision, reinforcement of positive and safe behaviors, trauma-informed and relationally-based therapeutic interventions as defined by program.

Attends and is prepared for scheduled supervision, team meetings, staff meetings or rounds to assist in coordinating case management/care coordination and review of treatment plans/plans of care. Seeks additional supervision or consultation as needed and follows through with supervisory directives.

Communicates in a positive, effective manner with client, family, and all internal and external providers.

Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs.

Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Wheeler Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.