Counselor, Senior

Tohono O'odham Nation; Sells (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Tohono O'odham Nation is seeking a counselor based in Sells, AZ, to help clients overcome dependencies and make life adjustments. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and working collaboratively with families and community resources.

The ideal applicant will have a BA in Counseling, experience in behavioral health, and the ability to address the specific needs of Native American communities. Certifications in CPR and First Aid are also required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or a related field required.
• Two years of work experience in a behavioral health field preferred.
• Certifications in CPR, AED, and First Aid are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Counsels clients in individual and group sessions.
• Develops treatment plans and evaluates client progress.
• Responds to emergencies and coordinates with community resources.

Skills

Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture

Counseling techniques

Empathy in communication

Analyzing problems

Customer service skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling

Job description

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, counsels clients and individuals in group sessions to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes; assists clients with personal, family, educational, and career decisions and problems.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with organizing, developing and provides assistance to help with programs for children, adults, and families to help them to cope with problems.
• Conducts intakes, and orients new clients.
• Develops, assesses and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
• Collaborates with other staff members to perform clinical assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Acts as client advocates in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Responds to emergencies that may arise such as suicides, natural disasters, mental health and substance abuse on weekends and/or holidays.
• Evaluates clients' physical or mental condition based on review of client information.
• Meets with families, probation officers, police, and other interested parties in order to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.
• Refers patients, clients, or family members to community resources as necessary.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling programs and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
• Plans, organizes and leads structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation and social activities for clients.
• Modifies treatment activities and approaches as needed in order to comply with changes in clients' status.
• Discusses with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.
• Evaluates clients and sets up phone interviews for residential treatment.
• Counsels one-to-one in emergency room and in detention facilities.
• Gathers information about community mental health needs and resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.
• Plans and conducts programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health and counseling services.
• Conducts training and provides workshops and courses about mental health issues.
• Attends scheduled meetings with staff, various social service entities and social security to discuss client's needs.
• Maintains confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Complies with the rules of confidentiality and privacy outlined by HIPAA.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of the 12 step program.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge in records management procedures.
• Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) related rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of counseling and intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of the Diagnostic Criteria DSM-IV-TR.
• Skill in conducting interviews, individual and group therapy sessions with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to assess needs of clients.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to treat both staff and patients with respect.
• Ability to be friendly and empathic communicator.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or closely related field and two years' work experience in a behavioral health related field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Must possess certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.