Counselor Tech

Westcare; Elk Horn (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare seeks a Counselor Technician to supervise and support program participants, ensuring safety and adherence to WestCare policies. The role involves mentoring, crisis intervention, and daily coordination under the Program Director’s guidance.

Responsibilities include intake assistance, ensuring punctual shift coverage, and transporting participants for appointments when authorized. Strong communication and professional conduct are essential.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in a comparable position is required.
• 2+ years in a behavioral health environment preferred.
• Experience with substance abuse and mental health disorders preferred.
• Ability to form and maintain professional relationships with staff, volunteers and participants.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Supervises program participants under direction of the Program Director.
• Facilitates mentoring, discipline, safety, and observation of participants.
• Uses crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations and ensure safety.
• Implements behavioral/level system where applicable.
• Assists with intake assessment and receiving of new participants.
• Supports 24/7 coverage with flexible scheduling and punctuality.
• Transports participants to appointments as required when authorized.
• Monitors participant whereabouts and required paperwork to leave WestCare property.
• Supports recreational activities and helps keep the facility clean.
• Ensures medication is processed on admission and administered on time per procedures.

Skills

Behavioral health experience

Professional relationships

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Ethical conduct

Judgement under pressure

Education

Bachelor-level degree preferred (Counseling/Criminal Justice/Social Work/Psychology)

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary:

The Counselor Technician supervises and provides daily support to assigned program participants. This position is tasked with ensuring the safety of all program participants and ensuring compliance with WestCare policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervises program participants under the direction of the Program Director or designee, reporting unusual changes as they occur.
• Facilitates mentoring, discipline, safety, and observation of participants.
• Utilizes approved crisis intervention techniques to assist with de-escalation of situations, ensuring program participant, staff, and visitor safety.
• Implements the behavioral/level system where applicable.
• Assists with the initial assessment and receiving of new program participants.
• Participates in 24/7 coverage by working a flexible schedule, properly tracking hours worked, and consistently arriving to scheduled shifts on time.
• Transports participants to school or medical appointments as required (if authorized).
• Monitors participant whereabouts to be sure they remain on WestCare property, or have appropriate paperwork needed to leave WestCare property.
• Assists in the implementation of recreational activities for program participants, participating where appropriate.
• Ensures the facility is kept clean and in working order.
• Ensures participant medication is processed upon admission and given on time, in accordance with WestCare procedures.
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

• Relevant certification and/or licensure ispreferred; preference will be given to certified candidates.
• Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience and Competencies:

• One (1) year of experience in a comparable position is required.
• Two (2) or more years working in a behavioral health environment is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders preferred.
• Ability to form and maintain effective, professional, and positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and program participants required.
• Ability to work well, both individually and as part of a team required.
• Adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct required.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion required.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting.
• Occasional outdoor work and travel between multiple locations may be required.
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.