Mental Health Counselor II

Mental Health Counselor II

Since 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 Description

Description 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.

Counseling Activities 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 achieving personal 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. Develop and lead social and educational on-site groups.

Casework Activities 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, household chores, laundry and personal hygiene. Hands on assistance is required for residents who require more than verbal reminders. 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 abuse. Teaches and encourages the development of social skills through role-plays and participation in recreational activities. Communicates with treatment team members and keeps members informed of consumer's progress. Attends treatment team and all other scheduled meetings as deemed appropriate. Attends all monthly staff meetings. Provides internal and external liaison to appropriate service providers in accordance with the consumer's service plan. Completes hourly safety/maintenance checks in all bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas and documents results. Immediately notifies Supervisor of concerns/discrepancies.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Social/Human Science field with six (6) months related experience preferred, 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.