Mental Health Counselor

Title:Mental Health Counselor

Program/Dept:MHRC

Reports to:Director of Nursing

Classification:Regular Full-Time, Nonexempt

Salary Range:               $25 an hour (+ 5% differential pay if applicable to shift)

Position Description: This is a full-time position with a regular work schedule. Under supervision of the Director of Nursing, the Recovery Specialist provides support and assistance to clients through individual and group counseling in a crisis or transitional residential treatment program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with all individuals served.
• Establish and maintain clear and effective communications with clients, ensure that their needs are met, assist them in the development and implementation of their treatment plans, and prepare them for the next level of care or other discharge options.
• Document clients' progress in program charts.
• Assist program management in ensuring compliance with all agency policies and procedures, contractual agreements, licensing and certification requirements, and local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Provide accurate, timely, and complete transfer of program and client information to other staff as they begin their shift.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary.
• Remain alert and perform job functions as assigned and as necessary during awake overnight shifts.
• Orient new clients to the program, or, when possible, enable other clients to orient new clients.

In conjunction with all other program staff members, actively participate in the effort to ensure that the facility environment is homelike, clean, safe, attractive, and comfortable at all times.

• Notify program management of all needs for repair or maintenance of the facility or program vehicles, involving clients when appropriate.

• Assist program management to create and maintain a safe and professional working environment free of hostility, harassment, and discrimination.
• Facilitate and lead structured program activities, as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings, as assigned.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled supervision sessions.
• Attend training events as assigned, completing a minimum of twenty (20) hours of in-service training annually.
• Assist clients with room maintenance, laundry, meal planning and preparation, shopping, and cooking.
• Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment at all times consistent with applicable laws, industry standards and the agency’s own Health & Safety Program.
• Complete and submit accurate time sheets and absence reports to program management in a timely manner.
• Promote within the agency and with the public the philosophy and practice of social rehabilitation.
• Drive agency vehicle to transport clients and on various errands, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency vehicle policy at all times;
• Actively nurture and advance the cooperative, harmonious, and teamwork-oriented environment Caminar strives to promote within the workplace; Through daily efforts and presentation promote an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with the organization’s mission, philosophy, policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties, responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be passionate about Caminar's mission.
• High School Diploma or GED is preferred. If there is no high school diploma or GED, a minimum of one year experience or training related to mental health programs or shall participate in training provided by the facility. Such training/experience shall be in the direct provision of services to a program’s identified clients or residents.
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including email and Internet navigation required.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor and to always represent the organization in a positive manner.
• Must demonstrate acceptable level of maturity, good judgment, and emotional stability.

• Problem solving—identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Customer Service—manages difficult customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs, and solicits customer feedback to improve service.
• Oral and written communication—speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills, and conducts meetings. Completes written progress notes and other formal communications skillfully and professionally.
• Quality management—looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Planning/organizing—prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability—adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and can deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability—is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance.

• Safety and security—actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently on special projects.

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs, and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods.
• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.
• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 5405 and Caminar practices.
• This position may require occasional driving but is not required. In order to drive you must possess a valid California driver license and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability. Personal auto insurance and reliable personal vehicle may be required and in all cases are strongly preferred.
• Must be able to pass post-offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

We've Got You Covered 

Medical, Dental, and Vision
Health coverage choices to fit you and your family’s needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.

Flexible Spending Account
Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Employee Wellness Program
We’ll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.

Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D Insurance
Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents. 

Paid Time Off
We offer twelve paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions. 
The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.

Commuter Benefits
Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!

Employee Assistance Program
 For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services.  We are an equal opportunity employer.  Please visit our web site at www.caminar.org