Mental Health Counselor - Day shift, Full Time

CASAC/CASAC-T COUNSELOR

Job Category : Direct Service Worker Requisition Number : PRIMA004692

Full-Time
Review referral materials to ensure required documentation is received and complete, including medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, legal, and insurance information.

• Assess referral information to support informed admission decisions and identify clinical, medical, or psychosocial needs requiring coordination prior to or at admission.
• Why Morning Star" narrative

Orient residents to program structure, expectations, and handbook upon admission.
Ensure intake paperwork, releases of information, and required screenings are completed and uploaded into the electronic health record (EHR) within required timeframes.
Provide regularly scheduled individual counseling sessions with assigned residents.
Respond to residents experiencing emotional distress, relapse risk, or behavioral escalation using trauma‑informed, non‑restrictive crisis intervention strategies, in accordance with agency policy.
Provide ongoing education related to substance use disorder recovery, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, coping strategies, health and wellness, and life skills.
Document crisis interventions, education provided, and supportive clinical contacts in the EHR in a timely and accurate manner.
Collect random toxicology screenings are complete in accordance with program policy, review results with resident as clinically appropriate, and ensure results are accurately documented in the electronic health record.
Treatment Planning, Program Participation & Ongoing Clinical Care

Ensure treatment plans and required service plan reviews are completed accurately and within the required timeframes in collaboration with the resident and treatment team.
Monitor residents' engagement in clinical and recovery services.
Ensure residents are attending required in‑house groups, meetings, and program activities as scheduled, with a minimum expectation of five (5) hours per week of structured programming, consistent with Medicaid Managed Care residential reintegration billing requirements, unless otherwise clinically indicated.
Document attendance, participation levels, progress, and barriers to engagement in the EHR.
Adjust treatment goals and interventions as clinically indicated to support medical necessity, engagement, and recovery progress.
Observe residents' self‑administration of medication in accordance with program policy and training requirements, as assigned and alongside residential staff; and ensure accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
Collaborate with supervisory staff, utilization management, and administrative staff to address insurance‑related needs or barriers.
Respond to requests for clinical information from insurance entities in accordance with program policy and confidentiality requirements.
Ensure clinical documentation supports medical necessity, level of care, and continuity of services.
Coordinate care with internal and external providers to ensure residents are connected to appropriate services, including:
Mental health treatment
Medical and dental care
Legal and other oversight entities, as applicable

Ensure residents attend required off‑site appointments and that follow‑up care is documented.
Advocate for residents' clinical and recovery needs while maintaining professional boundaries.
Discharge Planning & Continuity of Care

Initiate discharge planning early and review plans regularly with residents and supervisors.
Develop and document comprehensive discharge plans that include:
Complete required discharge documentation, including LOCADTR (cVR/DC), discharge planning forms, and discharge summaries.
Coordinate with external providers, care managers, legal entities, and internal staff to ensure seamless transitions.
Follow established procedures for both successful completions and discharges against clinical advice, documenting limitations when steps cannot be completed.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, supervision, and staff meetings.
Function as an active member of the residential treatment team and regularly assist with residential counselor duties, including resident supervision, program coverage, medication observation, toxicology screening, and support of program structure.
Carry out all responsibilities in accordance with OASAS regulations, SCO Family of Services policies and procedures, and program standards.
Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding resident progress, clinical concerns, or barriers to care.
Uphold program structure, rules, and expectations consistently and professionally.
In addition to clinical responsibilities, Primary Counselors are expected to regularly assist with residential counselor duties as part of the treatment team, including resident supervision, medication observation, toxicology screening, shift coverage, and support of program structure, as assigned and in accordance with training, program needs, and policy.
Perform additional duties related to clinical care, coordination, compliance, or program operations as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

# Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, or related field preferred.
Successful completion of required background checks and health clearances.
Effective communication with residents, providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
On-site position within a residential treatment program.
Schedule may include evening or flexible hours based on program needs.

# Responsible for referral review participation, admission assessment, clinical service delivery, crisis intervention, documentation, insurance‑related requirements, and care coordination for assigned residents from admission through discharge.

# ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

~ This position functions within the Morning Star Program's clinical treatment structure and reports directly to the Program Supervisor.

Bachelors or better in Human Services.