Mental Health Counselor I

Mental Health Counselor ISince 1969, MYCS has helped individuals and families in the Mon Valley area Get Better based on the specific and unique circumstances of each person we serve. Our mission is to foster hope, renewal, healing and wellness for those who face the challenges of mental health, substance use and intellectual disabilities. The goal of helping individuals Get Better means getting better service, better advice, better treatment and a better experience overall. The people of MYCS strive for excellence in their quest for knowledge, compassion and support for the recovery of every individual.Job DescriptionDescription of Duties: Must provide quality services at all times to residents regardless of medical, psychiatric behavioral issues (i.e. CPR, first aid, behavioral programming and goal plans). Must be cooperative and remain flexible in work schedule adjustments to meet the needs of program operations for all 365 days in the year i.e. (holidays, resident illness, appointments, inclement weather). May be requested to work at other sites to ensure that consumer and program needs are met. An orientation binder will be available at each site. Employees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this information and completing the sign-off sheet. Must be able to stay awake throughout your shift as well as not leave residents unattended until a staff person arrives to relieve you of duty. Must be able to work independently, under stress and change while performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Cannot impose personal beliefs and practice. Must remain calm, cooperative and supportive while on duty, especially in emergency and unsettling circumstances. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all MYCS consumers, striving to exceed their expectations for service, quality and delivery. Meets with assigned consumers at least once weekly to discuss progress; address set backs and assists consumers with identifying their treatment needs. Assists consumers with identifying and implementing long and short-term goals; communicates goal progress to consumer on a weekly basis and provides feedback when needed. Provides education and guidance to assist consumers with making life choices. Uses crisis intervention techniques to effectively de-escalate consumer behavior and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Assists residents with scheduling and attending medical and dental appointments, assuring that appropriate documentation is maintained and filed, determines the need for and service delivery of emergency care, utilizing appropriate and available methods of payment; and education regarding healthcare and illness, including the benefits of education and medication. Assists consumers with applying for appropriate financial assistance, developing a budget, establishing checking/savings accounts, and preparing tax forms, rebates, etc. Educates and assists consumers with daily living skills such as menu planning, meal preparation, household chores, laundry and personal hygiene. Assesses, educates, and assists consumers with public transportation, which includes accompanying them on the bus when necessary. Provides orientation to the local community with location of pharmacies, grocery stores, recreational facilities, hospitals, doctors, and dentists. Educates consumers on emergency procedures such as fire safety, natural disasters, loss of utilities, violence and abuseRequired Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma with (1) year related experience, will consider combination of education and experience. Driving is an essential job responsibility, therefore must possess a valid PA driver's license and be accepted by the agency's vehicle insurance as a valid driver. Must possess current Act 33/34 clearances.