Mental Health Clinician

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation Inc.; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation Inc. in New Jersey seeks a Mental Health Clinician to screen, assess and provide behavioral health counseling to Harm Reduction participants.

Under supervision of the HRM/CSM and the Director of Behavioral Health, you will coordinate with Harm Reduction staff and deliver brief mental health screenings and assessments. You will provide psycho-social counseling, motivational interviewing, and referrals to therapy or long‑term care, with follow‑up to ensure appropriate

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of related experience in HIV and substance use field.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Harm Reduction staff to receive referrals from SAP participants.
• Conduct brief mental health screenings and assessments.
• Provide psycho-social counseling, supportive counseling, group/individual sessions and referrals.
• Maintain client case records and ensure confidentiality.
• Represent the agency at community events and adhere to HIPAA guidelines.

Skills

Diversity awareness

Communication skills

Education

LSW/LCSW/LAC/LPC/PhD

Job description

General Responsibilities

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation’s mission is to help people live with HIV, stop the spread of the epidemic, and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey. The following foundational behaviors are expected as an employee of Hyacinth:

Service / Client Services

Consistently demonstrates respect, responsiveness, and professionalism towards others while providing superior service for our clients

• Treat each client as a priority
• Respects each client’s right to quality service, confidentiality, and dignity
• Works with co‑workers to ensure integration of services
• Displays a welcoming, helpful attitude to clients
• Establishes and maintains personal boundaries in clinical supervision with clients or co‑workers

Community / Teamwork

• Actively cooperates within the region and/or program and participates in the constructive resolution of conflict
• Focuses on improving communication and collaboration
• Tries to understand the other person’s point of view when there is a challenge
• Works with all regional staff to provide a full continuum of services to clients
• Understands local community resources and can make appropriate referrals
• Is clear and tactful when collaborating and working with others

Leadership

• Takes pride in his/her work
• Advances Hyacinth’s reputation for excellence
• Incorporates boundaries and ethical guidelines into decision making

Employees of the Agency may learn certain facts about individuals being served by the Agency that are of a highly personal and confidential nature. Examples of such information are medical conditions, sexual orientation, relations with family members and other individuals. All such information must be treated as completely confidential. All staff are required to conform to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) guidelines which require the protection of personal health information.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the HRM/CSM & the Director of Behavioral Health, the Mental Health Clinician will screen, assess and provide behavioral health counseling to participants at the Harm Reduction sites.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Client Services (80%)

• Coordinate with Harm Reduction staff to receive referrals from SAP participants
• Conduct brief mental health screenings and mental health assessments
• Additional behavioral health services may include psycho‑social counseling, behavioral interventions, supportive counseling, group/individual sessions, health promotion, motivational interviewing and referrals to therapy/long term counseling
• Provide follow‑up activities to ensure appropriate linkages
• Refer clients in need of detoxification, intensive outpatient or inpatient care to substance use facilities
• Maintain a caseload of clients identified by SAP in need of ongoing behavioral counseling and support

Reporting / Monitoring (10%)

• Establish, maintain, and update client case records using approved agency forms and procedures
• Ensure confidentiality of all records
• Prepare monthly reports in accordance with agency policies and proceduresMaintain and update client information in required data systems

Hyacinth Representation / Advocacy (5%)

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training opportunities
• Observe established administrative procedures
• Participate in the development of administrative procedures
• Provide written reports as required
• Represent the agency at community events, meetings, and conferences
• Adhere to Hyacinth policies and procedures including client confidentiality provisions

Training and Certifications (5%)

• Attend and participate in staff training opportunities

Other Duties (5%)

• Commitment to Hyacinth philosophy
• Access to currently registered car and a valid driver’s license a plus

Requirements

Required Minimum Education

LSW, LCSW, LAC, LPC or PhD; dual license with LCADC preferred

Required Years of Related Experience

2-4 years

• A minimum of two years’ experience in HIV and substance use field

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and interests
• Proficiency in written and verbal communications

Preferred Minimum Education

• LSW, LCSW, LAC, LPC or PhD

Preferred Area of Expertise

• HIV, substance use

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in written and verbal communication, critical thinking and decision‑making skills