A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
Under the direction of the Program Director, the Counselor III's function is to provide substance use, mental health, and integrated treatment for a diverse population of individuals and/or significant others. The Counselor III utilizes a high level of skills developed through education and experience. The position includes regular practice of mental health therapies and substance use counseling. The Counselor III ensures that assigned cases are managed according to the guidelines set out for Part 822 outpatient treatment by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Primary Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provide treatment services to individuals and/or significant others with SUD and mental health diagnoses. Perform and review intake and psychosocial and comprehensive evaluations according to OASAS Part 822 regulations and Argus' Policy and Procedures Manual. Provide on-site assessment, intervention and treatment as part of a multidisciplinary team for psychological and psychiatric issues and disorders in a manner that promotes safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment Evaluate crises situations and implement appropriate intervention. Confer with other service providers to promote the integration of SUD and mental health treatment within the outpatient setting. Provide individual counseling according to an established schedule with all assigned clients. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records that comply with regulatory standards and agency internal policy and procedure. Utilize Evidence-Based Practices to facilitate assigned therapeutic groups for clients with SUD and mental health issues. Ensure delivery of screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, record keeping, and consultation services. Apply the principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics and other best practices and methods for promoting both mental health and addiction recovery. Generate required reporting and billing to satisfy agency and referent requirements. Complete accurate monthly reporting, including to OASAS, grant managers, Argus Executive Management, STARS, and others. Monitor and track toxicology samples for clients in accordance with OASAS, agency, and referent standards. Collaborate with the Medical Team to coordinate medication services, including MAT. Participate in Interdisciplinary Team Meetings for Case Conferences, Utilization Reviews, Quality Improvement, Incident Review, etc. Actively participate in clinical supervisions, with a focus on professional development and optimizing service delivery. Cultivate linkages with other service providers and community-based resources. Maintain credentials through professional development, including Continued Education, and timely recertification. Follow training schedule and submit completion certificates when required. Ensure that all program staff upholds the agency's Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics and complies with all federal, state and local laws/regulations, including 42 CFR confidentiality and HIPAA privacy and security regulations. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Criteria/Education:
Licensed Master's Level Clinician (LMSW/LCSW/LMHC) required Additional CASAC preferred 5 or more years of SUD and integrated treatment service provision, preferably in an outpatient setting. Adept working in an electronic heath record (EHR) Strong clinical, documentation, and organizational skills Compassion and dedication to supporting individuals on their recovery journey Effective communication and collaboration abilities Naloxone, First Aid, and CPR certified
