Mental Health Care Counselor

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Counselor I provides treatment and recovery services to participating clients, monitors, documents, and supports client treatment progress, maintains ethical and evidence-based care, and participates in treatment team activities.

Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities.

• Support clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support.
• Develop general knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies.
• Coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources.
• Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed; For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.
• Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs.
• Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice.
• Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Maintain health and safety standards of facility.
• Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations:
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including the ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required.
• Ability to effectively document in required note structures (e.g., mental health, medical health, etc.).
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalency. Maintain registration in good standing.

Ability to operate required computer programs for position, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, electronic timekeeping system, electronic learning management system, upon hire or demonstrated competency developed within 90 days of employment.

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

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for the performance of job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff. Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Counselor II provides treatment and recovery services to participating clients, monitors, documents, and supports client treatment progress, maintains ethical and evidence-based care, and participates in treatment team activities.

Conduct comprehensive substance use screening, care planning, and treatment activities.

• Support clients with relapse prevention, life and coping skills, discharge and aftercare planning, and recovery support.
• Apply working knowledge of evidence-based practices, medications for addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders, community resources, self-help support, and treatment philosophies.
• Coordinate with medical providers, social services, and other community resources
• Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed, chart relevant information
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.
• For Counselors assigned to residential programs, observe and document client self- administration of medications.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.
• Assist clients with benefits, housing, vocational, and community reintegration needs
• Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice.
• Identify, report and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Maintain health and safety standards of facility.
• Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations:
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required
• Ability to effectively document in required note structures (e.g., mental health, medical health, etc.)
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalency. Ability to operate required computer programs for position, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, electronic timekeeping system, electronic learning management system, upon hire or demonstrated competency developed within 90 days of employment.

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

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for the performance of job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a counseling or mental health setting.
- Familiarity with behavioral health services and therapeutic practices.
Knowledge of ethical and legal standards in counseling practice.
- Proficiency in using electronic health records and other relevant software applications.