Counselor I/II

Behavioral Health Services; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 33,062 - 40,019; Full time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Services is hiring a Counselor I in Gardena, CA. This full-time position focuses on supporting clients dealing with mental health and addiction challenges. Responsibilities include documenting client progress, facilitating educational groups, and maintaining treatment plans while adhering to ethical standards.

Candidates should have a counseling certification and experience in a therapeutic environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity. Offering a salary range of $24.00 - $29.05 hourly, this role supports diverse populations through compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Counseling certification is required.
• Experience in a counseling or mental health setting is necessary.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Maintain wellbeing of clients and integrity of the program.
• Document client intake and treatment progress.
• Facilitate related educational groups.

Skills

Counseling certification

Interpersonal communication

Crisis intervention

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Minimum 1-2 years in counseling or mental health setting

Tools

Electronic health records software

MS Word

Job description

Job Details: Level: Experienced. Job Location: Gardena, CA 90249. Position Type: Full Time. Salary Range: $24.00 - $29.05 Hourly. Job Shift: Day.

Overview

The Counselor I fulfills assigned role as part of the treatment team, maintaining the wellbeing of clients and integrity of the program.

Counselor I Responsibilities

• Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems, and 12‑Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training, and other occasions as appropriate.
• Write clear statements summarizing client’s feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives.
• Include letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Recognize personal issues that impact job performance and interactions with clients.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Prepare for and facilitate related educational groups.
• Basic knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• May carry a caseload as needed.
• Working knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12‑Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Communicate clearly with clients, staff, peers, supervisors, and non‑BHS resources.
• Basic understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Adapt to Caminar information system.

Counselor I Competencies and Performance Expectations

• Document client intake and treatment progress
• Identify a crisis
• Facilitate an educational group
• Liaison with and refer to treatment team, inside and outside agencies
• Assess and report client behavioral changes
• Identify personal boundaries and work as part of the treatment team
• Adhere to professional standards
• Recognize personal biases when working with diverse populations

Counselor II Responsibilities

• Thorough knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12‑Step/recovery resources in the community.
• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training, and other occasions as appropriate.
• Write clear statements summarizing client’s feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives. Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.
• Confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.
• Recognize personal issues that impact job performance and interactions with clients.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• Convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Prepare for and facilitate related process and educational groups.
• Knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12‑Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).
• Communicate clearly with clients, staff, peers, supervisors, and non‑BHS resources.
• Knowledge of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word). Ability to adapt to Caminar information system.

Counselor II Competencies and Performance Expectations

• Meet all Counselor I requirements.
• Admit, orient, and discharge clients
• Facilitate group process
• Conduct assessments
• Formulate treatment plans
• Intervene in crisis situations
• Adhere to professional boundaries
• Maintain client records

Qualifications

• Required Education: Counseling certification.
• Required Experience: Minimum of 1‑2 years of experience in a counseling or mental health setting; experience working with diverse populations and understanding of cultural sensitivities; familiarity with behavioral health services and therapeutic practices.
• Required Skills and Abilities: Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written); ability to conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans; proficiency in crisis intervention and conflict resolution; knowledge of ethical and legal standards in counseling practice; ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team; proficiency in using electronic health records and other relevant software applications.