Primary Counselor

Primary Counselor (PC) job description The Primary Counselor (PC) is an individual who performs clinical work requiring advanced knowledge in the field of behavioral health (i.e. substance abuse and mental health) customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction. The PC is responsible for individual resident care throughout the treatment program to which he/she is assigned, regularly analyzing, interpreting, and making deductions and decisions from varying facts or circumstances. The PC's primary duties and responsibilities require the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment as it pertains to the individualized direct care and treatment of the person(s) served. The PC is also responsible for two therapy-oriented groups: His/her caseload and an additional group directed to the entire house. The PC must comply on a daily base with electronic documentation regarding each client on his/her caseload; this includes biopsychosocial, treatment plan, progress notes (SOAP format), plus other assessments.

Position Requirements/Qualifications :

Education Requirements :

Successfully graduate from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a Master's Degree in psychology, social work, or mental health counseling. It is recommended to have advanced addiction- specific training leading to certification (CAP) by the Florida Certification Board, but not an imperative.

Experience Requirements :

Minimum of 1-year experience in counseling addicted persons and/or those with co-occurring disorders (intern experience accepted). Experience with clinical intake, record keeping and business management procedures.

Licensure/Certification:

Licensure in field of expertise is not necessary, though recommended. Valid Florida Driver's License approved by Better Way's Insurance Carrier. Additional certifications will be provided and requested by the Agency upon hiring.

Skills/Abilities:

Ability to work as a team member and have management, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions and be flexible in relation to department needs. Demonstrates Proficiency in Verbal & Written Communication Skills, Knowledge of State & Federal Statutes Regarding Privacy and Confidentiality Laws as per 42 CFR, Part 2 and HIPAA (1996); Knowledge of 12-Step Programs (addiction and recovery); Knowledge of Co-Occurring Disorders and the State of Florida CCISC Initiative; Ability to complete University of South Florida Co-Occurring Modules during two-week departmental orientation or 14 days; Knowledge of DSM V diagnoses with respect to the substance abuse, mental health, and the co-occurring populations; and knowledge of psychotropic medications and their possible side effects. Bilingual (En/Sp - En/Cr) skill, written and verbal, are highly recommended, but not necessary.

Job Duties:

• Hours of work 9am to 5pm will be done onsite with no exception. No remote work.
• Maintain open communication with the Clinical Director and Admissions Department regarding new admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Develop short-term treatment plans.
• Develop long-term treatment plans.
• Assess treatment and service plans.
• Assisting clients with reaching treatment goals.
• Assist with structured group activities.
• Perform case management duties with clients.
• Arrange family / significant others to be brought into the treatment process in relation to the Clients' own progress, when appropriate.
• Consult with other departmental staff members regarding the ongoing adjustment and general care of each client.
• Attend treatment-planning sessions, in-service sessions, supervision sessions and daily report sessions.
• Present lectures (clinical case) as scheduled to co-clinicians and to clients.
• Provide individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling sessions, and case management services as needed.
• Meet and greet new clients within 24 hours of admission.
• Conduct individual counseling sessions with clients in assigned caseload at least once weekly.

a. Substitute for absent counselors to give lectures, conduct group therapy and other duties as required. b. Utilize community resources appropriately for clients or respective families including vocational counseling, public assistance, high school equivalency course, literacy classes, etc. c. Involve client in individualized treatment planning. d. Obtain releases for all parties to be contacted on behalf of each client. e. Maintain contact with referral sources where appropriate during client's treatment. f. Psychosocial History and Assessment completed within 7 days. g. Master Treatment Plan completed within 14 days. h. Update and review of Treatment Plan completed within 30 days of client's admission within guidelines. i. Progress notes to be kept current denoting interventions and the client's course in treatment. j. Discharge planning appropriately prior to the planned discharge. k. Discharge Summary completed within 5 working days following client's discharge. l. Correspondence completed in a timely manner according to the client's needs. m. Referral and follow-up notes current and timely.

• Ability to work with individuals with co-occurring disorders.
• Familiarity with DSM V diagnosis and their respective medications, including psychotropic side effects.

• MUST BE BILANGUAL ENGLISH AND SPANISH

• All employees will be required to sign a job description which will remain in the employee's personnel file.

All employees are given a copy of their job description as a reference to their responsibilities while employed. All employees of Better Way of Miami, Inc. are assessed and recognized on how effectively they contribute to the excellence of our Agency. The Performance Recognition and Development Program is designed to: ensure that everyone is focusing on the areas which support the mission of the Agency and goals of the individual departments; encourage active participation in the planning and implementing the goals in the employee's individual personal and professional development; and compensate individuals based on their job performance and contribution to the organization. Better Way of Miami, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer who complies with state and federal nondiscrimination laws and policies that prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or transgender status. It is unlawful to retaliate against individuals or groups on the basis on their participation in a compliant of discrimination or on the basis of their opposition to discriminatory practices.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person