Counselor I

The Counselor I fulfills assigned role as a part of the treatment team, maintaining the well being of clients and integrity of the program.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training and other occasions as appropriate.
• Ability to write clear statements, summarizing client's feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Ability to confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Ability to convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Ability to prepare for, and facilitate related educational groups.
• Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• May carry a caseload as needed.
• Working knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
• Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system.

Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations

• Document client intake and treatment progress
• Identify a crisis
• Facilitate an educational group
• Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies
• Assess and report client behavioral changes
• Identify personal boundaries and be able to work as part of the treatment team
• Adhere to professional standards
• Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations

Prerequisite Qualifications

Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.


High school diploma or equivalency. Registered and enrolled in a state-recognized chemical dependency counselor certification program or progress towards AOD, with six months' substance abuse experience or Bachelor's and registered with state or nationwide approved credentialing body (i.e. CCAPP, CAADE. Maintain registration thereafter, and to complete certification within the specified time subsequent to registration, will result in loss of employment.

Must have valid California driver's license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business.

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.

Specific qualifications may vary based on assignment. The supervisor will initial those items on the following list, which apply and write N/A to indicate those qualifications, which are not applicable:

_____ Class "B" California Driver's License.

_____ Class "C" California Driver's License

_____ Personal vehicle with liability insurance for reimbursable mileage, generally short distances.

_____ First Aid certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.

_____ CPR certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current


thereafter.


_____ Medication training required within 30 days of employment.

_____ Bi-lingual (specify: ___________________)

______Obtain NPI number

_____ Develop computer skills adequate to perform Caminar/word processing duties within 90 days of employment.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.

Required Education:
- Counseling certification.

Required Experience:
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a counseling or mental health setting.
- Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of cultural sensitivities.
- Familiarity with behavioral health services and therapeutic practices.

Required Skills and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Proficient in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
- Knowledge of ethical and legal standards in counseling practice.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in using electronic health records and other relevant software applications.