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.
Qualifications Bachelor or four-year degree in early childhood education, social work, health, psychology or a related field (or equivalent degree in countries outside of the United States). Supervised experience working with young children and/or parents is also recommended. Strong communication and interpersonal skills (e.g., nonjudgmental, objective, reflective, empathic, patient, tactful) Ability to establish rapport with families and empower them by building on their strengths Strong organizational and record keeping skills Ability to work independently and be self-motivated (often in the field) Computer skills; including web browsing, e-mail, Internet, and word-processing/data entry Must earn Family Support Certification within one year of hire Reports to:
Family Support Supervisor Essential Functions:
Engage in recruitment activities Collaborate with community providers Use the Parents as Teachers curriculum to share research-based information with families Provide personal visits focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being (including planning, delivering and documenting the visit) Provide services in a culturally competent manner Educate families about child development, child rearing, and positive personal development Observe and understand child, individual, and family functioning Engage, establish trust, develop relationships, and collaborate effectively with individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives Complete an initial and annual family-centered assessment with each family Identify and build on strengths and family priorities; assess needs, risks, and safety Develop, monitor and review goals with each family Recognize and address problems related to substance use, mental health, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect Promote respect and encourage independence; use appropriate methods of support and establish professional boundaries with families Connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their needs Assist with group connections to give families an opportunity to build social connections with each other, engage in parent-child interaction activities, and increase their knowledge of ways to support children's development Complete at least an initial and annual developmental screening and health review for each enrolled child Help parents and children transition to other services as needed Maintain and submit all required family and program documentation in required timeframes Sanitize and maintain inventory supplies used in home visits Participate in regular reflective supervision Participate in regular staff meetings Obtain competency-based professional development and renew Parents as Teachers annually Participate in continuous quality improvement Responsibilities A Family Support Specialist uses the Parents as Teachers curriculum which includes the components of parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being in their work with families. The Family Support Specialist partners, facilitates and reflects with families in a respectful, culturally sensitive manner. This specialist will serve Henry Van Buren and Washington County Families.
Pay:
From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan
