Master Level Social Worker - Mental Health Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

SCOPE:

Develop and monitor the implementation of a Personal Development Plan (PDP) with participants in the Residential Program, provide guidance and support to participants to meet program objectives; and contribute to the mission of Goodwill by advocating for the participants and maximizing opportunities for persons with disabilities and other barriers to become more independent, guided by precedent and working within the limits of established policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Receive and review case files for new participants entering Housing First programs. Meet with participants to discuss their interests, employment history, strengths, needs, preferences, and goals. Gather and evaluate information through interviews, observations, case records, assessments, and other appropriate sources. In collaboration with participants and referring agencies, identify barriers and available resources and develop individualized strategies that support housing stability, community integration, employment, and self-sufficiency.

2. Assist participants in identifying, developing, and strengthening appropriate natural support systems and community connections that promote housing stability and independence.

3. Conduct risk assessments within the scope of the position and applicable policies and procedures. Develop individualized crisis and safety plans when indicated and coordinate appropriate support and interventions.

4. Review lease agreements with participants upon admission and periodically thereafter. Explain lease requirements, tenant responsibilities, applicable program expectations, and available resources in a manner that promotes understanding and supports housing retention and eviction prevention.

5. Provide participants with orientation to their residence, building, neighborhood, community resources, transportation options, and other relevant services. Facilitate introductions to neighbors or community resources when appropriate and consistent with participant choice, privacy, and program requirements.

6. Provide or coordinate instruction, support, and skill development related to household management and other independent living activities, based on individualized participant needs, goals, and preferences.

7. Assessment Administration: Complete the Service Prioritization Decision Assessment Tool (SPDAT), or successor assessment tool, for assigned participants in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, program requirements, and established schedules.

8. assessment results and participant input to establish measurable goals, objectives, and action steps. Develop the Participant Development Plan (PDP) collaboratively with each participant, documenting individualized goals, measurable objectives, supports, and strategies. Submit PDPs for required supervisory review and approval and ensure documentation complies with applicable laws, regulations, funding requirements, and organizational policies.

9. Monitor and document participant progress toward individualized goals and objectives. Review PDPs regularly with participants and modify goals, objectives, or strategies as appropriate based on participant progress, changing circumstances, preferences, and identified needs.

10. Conduct participant home and community visits as required by program needs, policies, and procedures. Document services and observations appropriately while maintaining participant privacy and confidentiality.

11. The scope of education, training, licensure, certification, and assigned responsibilities, provide counseling, supportive services, crisis intervention, and other appropriate interventions. Apply evidence-informed approaches, which may include Motivational Interviewing, harm-reduction principles, and trauma-informed care. Serve as a resource and liaison among program staff, service providers, direct-care personnel, and other support professionals by providing consultation, modeling, training, and guidance within the scope of professional practice.

12. Employees in positions requiring clinical licensure or registration must maintain all applicable state registration, supervision, documentation, and professional development requirements. Master’s-level social workers or other professionals pursuing applicable Florida licensure must complete required registration with the Florida Department of Health within the applicable timeframe and participate in required clinical supervision under an appropriately qualified, state-approved supervisor.

13. Advocate for participants identified needs, preferences, and goals. Facilitate appropriate assessments and information gathering, communicate relevant findings to authorized staff, research available resources, and provide referrals based on participant choice, identified needs, eligibility, and available community resources.

14. Support participant engagement in program activities, community outings, and other services. Aid and interventions consistent with individualized service plans, participant preferences, safety requirements, and program guidelines.

15. with employment consultants, job coaches, and other vocational service providers, as appropriate. Support participants in identifying and pursuing employment goals and developing pre-employment skills, including resume preparation, job applications, interview preparation, transportation planning, workplace readiness, and other employment-related activities.

16. Facilitate or co-facilitate support, educational, and/or therapeutic groups within the scope of the position's qualifications and responsibilities. Research relevant topics, develop or obtain appropriate materials, coordinate workshops and events, arrange guest speakers when appropriate, and encourage voluntary participant engagement.

17. Complete timely, accurate, objective, and comprehensive case documentation for participant contacts and services provided on behalf of participants. Documentation must reflect participant involvement, services provided, progress toward individualized goals and objectives, barriers identified, interventions implemented, follow-up needs, consistent with applicable regulations, funding requirements, professional standards, and organizational policies.

18. Complete participant file reviews as directed by management, supervisory staff, funding requirements, or organizational policy. Maintain accurate, complete, and current participant records and ensure required forms and documentation are updated within established timeframes. Enter participant information into applicable databases and systems in accordance with organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, and applicable laws and regulations. Compile and report participant-related data and statistics as required.

19. Attend and actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings. Provide relevant professional observations, recommendations, and feedback within the scope of the position and applicable professional standards, using a collaborative and solution-focused approach.

20. Attend and actively participate in scheduled staff meetings and other meetings required to support effective program operations and service delivery.

21. Complete all required internal and external training within established timeframes. Maintain required certifications, licenses, registrations, and professional development activities. Complete training in Motivational Interviewing and demonstrate appropriate application of applicable evidence-informed practices in participant interactions.

22. Perform other related duties and responsibilities within the scope of the position, as assigned, to support effective department operations, participant services, and organizational objectives.

OTHER DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Demonstrate through professional conduct and daily interactions a commitment to the organization's mission, values, and commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and other barriers in achieving greater independence, stability, and community participation.

2. Perform related duties and assist with departmental operations assigned to support workflow, service delivery, schedules, quality standards, and organizational priorities.

3. Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work environment and comply with applicable safety procedures, organizational policies, and equipment operating requirements.

4. Participate in meetings, committees, task forces, and other organizational activities as assigned to facilitate communication, coordinate services, resolve operational issues, and maintain current knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and program requirements. 

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & POSITION REQUIREMENT

1. Master’s degree in social work, Mental Health Counseling, or a related behavioral health or human services field. 2. Must be registered with the Department of Health as an intern within 1 month of hire. Receive regular, ongoing, clinical supervision under the guidance of a state approved qualified supervisor, documenting hours; actively working towards licensure.3. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in case management, supportive services, behavioral health, housing services, or related human services field preferred. Experience serving individuals experiencing homeless or housing instability is preferred.4. CPR and First Aid certification referred, or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by the organization. 5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and utilize electronic case management, documentation, database, and other technology systems.5. Must be registered with the Department of Health as an intern within 1 month of hire. Receive regular, ongoing, clinical supervision under the guidance of a state approved qualified supervisor, documenting hours; actively working towards licensure.6. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with participants, community stakeholders, employers and referral agents.7. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license, valid insurance, reliable transportation for travel to outlying locations and the ability to be insured under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.8. Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment supporting clients living in a housing first program. 9. Experience with mental health, substance abuse, and knowledge of trauma.10. Experience with providing person-centered services that respect participant choice, dignity, autonomy, privacy, and individual goals.11. Flexibility and adaptability to ensure that all services are person-centered.12. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license, valid insurance, reliable transportation for travel to outlying locations and the ability to be insured under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced community-based environment and provide individualized services within a Housing First or similar service model.2. Knowledge of, or experience working with behavioral health, substance use, trauma-informed practices, housing stability, community resources or related human services. 3. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with participants, community stakeholders, employers and referral agents.4. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with participants, coworkers, community partners, employers, referral sources and other stakeholders.5. Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, organizational, documentation and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines. 6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Maneuver throughout office, residential, and community environments as necessary to perform assigned job duties.2. Occasionally engage in activities such as reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, or other physical movements when required to perform an essential job function.3. Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds when required by the position.4. Travel regularly to participant residences, community locations, meetings, training sites, and other assigned locations.5. Respond appropriately to situations requiring timely intervention while maintaining professional boundaries and following established safety and crisis-response procedures.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Computer and standard computer peripherals; Microsoft Office and other applicable software systems; electronic case management and documentation systems; telephone and other communication equipment; standard office equipment; applicable safety equipment; and an automobile, passenger van, wheelchair-accessible van, or other organization-approved transportation, when required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact: View phone number on us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work