Counselor - Screening - Relief on Call

SMA Healthcare Inc; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SMA Healthcare Inc is looking for a Screener to provide clinical services for clients facing substance abuse and mental health issues in the Town of Florida, New York. In this role, you will assess needs, coordinate treatment services, and advocate for client rights. A bachelor's degree in a human services field and relevant experience are required.

The role demands strong organizational skills and knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, along with a valid Florida driver's license. This position requires flexibility with work hours and locations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of work experience in a mental health related field required.
• Currently certified as an Addictions Professional preferred.
• Must complete a course in emergency screening within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic services including assessment and counseling.
• Documents client progress according to established methods.
• Coordinates with community agencies for client treatment.

Skills

Knowledge of HIPAA compliance

Organizational skills

Knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a human services field

Master's degree in a human services field

Licensed Clinical Social Worker or similar

Job description

TheScreener is responsible for responding to emergency and walk-in cases at their assigned location. Responsibilities include triaging and assisting in accessing treatment services; completing screenings to include diagnostic and treatment recommendations for the court system, Child Welfare system, probation system, and other providers in the area; and coordinating with other agencies to assist the client's needs. The Screener will provide professional clinical services to all assigned clients in an outpatient setting who are experiencing problems with substance abuse and/or mental health. Services may be provided to children, adolescents, and/or adults with mental health and/or substance abuse issues and who also may be in psychiatric crisis. Services may be provided in jail or in a psychiatric inpatient.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides therapeutic services which may include assessment, brief individual counseling, group counseling, case management services, and coordinating referrals to appropriate level of care.
• Advocates for clients' rights and preferences.
• Conducts assessments and behavioral health screenings as indicated and appropriate for the client.
• Consults with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the treatment process and obtain collateral information necessary for appropriate referrals.
• Documents client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Provides direct clinical services to clients on an individual, and/or group basis in the office.
• Participates in setting treatment goals and plans with clients to reduce or abstain from substance use, maintain/stabilize mental health, and to learn relapse prevention measures.
• Coordinates with outside inpatient services to detoxify clients or stabilize mental health; establish linkage to outpatient treatment, self-help programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Bipolar Support groups), outpatient services, and residential facilities.
• Provides practical help and support, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help clients obtain the necessities of daily living.
• Performs related work as required or assigned.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

Graduation from an accredited school with a bachelor's degree in a human services field with a minimum of 1 year of work experience in a mental health related field required. Master's degree in a human services field or psychiatric nursing preferred. Licensed to practice as a Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist preferred. Currently Certified or working toward certification as an Addictions Professional or Criminal Justice Addictions Professional in the State of Florida preferred. Must complete a course in emergency screening prior to or within 3 months of assuming emergency screening responsibilities.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of HIPAA compliance, and clinical documentation.
• Knowledgeable of community and state resources and ability to assist individuals in accessing them.
• Knowledge of how to institute the Baker Act and Marchman Act criteria.
• Ability to organize data, plan, provide written and verbal feedback to referral sources, utilize the electronic medical records system, and provide and link clients to services.
• Knowledgeable of Medicaid rules, state contract requirements, 65-D30 and Federal Substance Abuse regulations, and ability to implement those rules for quality care and billing purposes.
• Knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and ability to recognize signs/symptoms of psychiatric illness and substance-related diagnoses.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of personal automobile insurance if required to drive an SMA vehicle and/or use a personal vehicle for SMA business. Complete State of Florida mandatory background screening prior to start of employment. Complete SMA required training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated if required.

Physical:

Mobility and ability to bend and reach during an 8-12 hour day. Able to lift minimum 10 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to evaluate, intervene, treat, and record client health care needs. Fine motor skills for legible and accurate charting, daily correspondence and presentation, either manually or orally. Work enduranceability to work 8-12 hour shifts with a meal break, as possible. Routine 8-12 hour shifts. Hours and days off may vary. Extra hours may be required. Work assignment locations may vary.