Intake Counselor

The Salvation Army; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Albany, NY is looking for an Intake Counselor to assist with quality intake systems and provide counseling within its Adult Rehabilitation Center. Responsibilities include interviewing applicants, maintaining referral networks, and conducting educational sessions. Candidates should have a high school diploma, with a preference for those with an AA/BA in counseling. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The role supports a caring and respectful environment for individuals seeking help.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• AA/BA degree in related counseling field preferred.
• Previous residential and rehabilitation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interview, assess, and process paperwork for applicants.
• Maintain a network of outside referral sources.
• Ensure daily and weekly house tracking system is updated.
• Conduct education classes and/or groups as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility in work schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AA/BA degree in related counseling field preferred

Job description

Overview

The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers make a difference in people's lives. Through the collection and resale of gently used goods we are able to provide the financial support to assist men and women with a variety of social and spiritual afflictions. The in-residence rehabilitation program focuses on basic necessities with every man or woman being provided a clean and healthy living environment, good food, work therapy, leisure time activities, group and individual counseling, and spiritual direction. All our effort is focused on developing life skills and a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. More than just a job, each member of the team contributes to recycling goods that literally recycle and repair broken lives.

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center is seeking an Intake Counselor to work cooperatively with Program staff to maintain a quality intake system and provide counseling to program beneficiaries.

Duties

• Is aware of and in agreement with The Salvation Army’s Christian spiritual approach to rehabilitation. Desires to be part of a team that provides a caring, respectful atmosphere to those seeking our help.
• Work cooperatively with all ARC staff, beneficiaries, and other outside agencies.
• Develop and maintain a network of outside referral sources by telephone, letter, and personal contact to: (1) arrange for the referral of applicants to The Salvation Army ARC program; (2) arrange for outside sources to tour and view The Salvation Army ARC program; and (3) make appropriate referrals to resources outside the ARC program.
• Interview, assess, and process necessary paper work for applicants to the ARC program, striving to maintain a full capacity at all times. Provide a positive, appealing, and uplifting first impression of the ARC program. Maintain a waiting list of potential applicants. Assist potential applicants with the completion of all required forms. Provide applicants who are not appropriate for admission with resources of other suitable services.
• Ensure that the house tracking system is maintained and updated daily and weekly, including to counseling assignments, bed assignments, and work therapy assignments.
• Assist counselor and other program staff in crisis intervention as needed.
• Meet with supervisor for supervision and evaluation. (Preferably once a month)
• Ensure that weekly gratuity reports are updated and forwarded to the finance office for gratuity processing as assigned.
• Complete or compile all beneficiary time cards/sheets each week.
• As directed by Administrator(s), coordinate with outside groups to bring speakers and information that model Christian values of recovery.
• Record statistical information specific to your area of responsibility. Submit to Administrator(s) (or designate) within three business days following the end of the month. Daily/weekly reporting is to be done immediately.
• Carry a case load of approximately 15 individuals as assigned and maintain written documentation (progress notes) of all counseling sessions.
• Conduct 1-2 education classes and/or groups per week as assigned
• Operate compliance screen for prohibited substances equipment as required keeping an accurate and up to date record of all test results. Maintain all equipment, including breathalyzers, to ensure validity and accuracy of results.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and all meetings as requested by the Administrator(s). Present resident cases as requested.
• Attend retreats, conferences, and other Salvation Army events as scheduled and assigned (which may include weekend and/or evening time).
• This position will support the work therapy program component of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers by providing to beneficiaries; an example of professional conduct, work habits, and supervision (as directed by Supervisor).
• Other duties as may be assigned by immediate supervisor and/or Administrator(s).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• AA/BA degree in related counseling field preferred.
• Previous residential and rehabilitation experience preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility in work schedule.