Transitional Counselor

BHcare; Ansonia (CT); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare agency is seeking a part-time Transitional Counselor to work 16 hours per week, primarily on weekends. The role involves assisting clients in daily living, community integration, and emotional support. Ideal candidates will have a background in human services, be proficient in Microsoft 365, and possess strong communication skills. A valid driver’s license is also required. This position provides an opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must have two years of direct care work experience in behavioral health residential care.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• Ability to obtain BLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily operations and utilize assessment tools to monitor clients.
• Develop and implement individual recovery plans with clients.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention as needed.

Skills

Behavioral health knowledge

Communication skills

Crisis intervention

Empathy

Motivational interviewing

Education

Two years of college education in human services or behavioral science

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Electronic Health Records System

Job description

Join to apply for the Transitional Counselor role at BHcare

This position is a part-time position, totaling 16 hours per week. The hours are Saturday and Sunday 3pm-11pm.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Transitional Counselor performs a variety of duties which include but are not limited to the following: provision of assistance in all areas of daily living, community integration, education, counseling and management of finances. The counselors provide emotional support and on-site integrated, goal-oriented, individualized services to assist program residents with developing and optimizing their strengths, skills, and available resources. The counselors demonstrate respect and empathy for the individual and consideration for his/her dignity and self-esteem while providing teaching and skill building focused on developing independence while optimizing their quality of life.

Accountable and responsible for the following results

• Assist in the daily operation of the program including but not limited to items on the assignment sheet.
• Utilize all required assessment tools (e.g. LIST) to assess clients’ functionality and mental health status, needs and preference, and ongoing appropriateness of services.
• Assist clients in developing and implementing individual recovery plans. Coordinate recovery planning to include members of clients’ treatment team and clients’ natural supports. Conduct regular reviews of recovery plans (minimally every 3 months) and modify as needed.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand the IDDT (Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment) principles utilizing Motivational Interviewing; implementation of ARC Trauma-Informed Practices as well as Person Centered Planning.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop a basic level of competency for providing services to clients with co-occurring disorders.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention according to residential protocol - utilizing clinical and emergency back up as indicated. Communicate client needs with hospital emergency rooms and emergency personnel.
• Read/write in communication logs / Shift Assignment Sheets, including hourly checks for overnight shift, and other departmental communication tools to ensure understanding and adherence to changes in client’s recovery plans and/or client/program’s needs; read/respond to all emails, and forward important communications to Program Manager, Director and Clinical Team Leader.
• Assist all program clients in the areas of health and safety and in the acquisition of independent living skills, including personal hygiene, meal planning, cooking, cleaning, and money management per findings of the LIST Assessment Tool.
• Ensure appropriate referrals and linkages are made to other parts of the agency and other community resources, including clinical, vocational, psychosocial, educational and natural supports. Provide advocacy as appropriate.
• Maintain and update, on paper or electronically, client case records with required encounter/progress notes documenting progress toward goals and objectives.
• Enter daily service activities into CDT as required and ensure the data accuracy (primarily designated to overnight shift).
• Assist clients in the scheduling of personal appointments and accompany clients to appointments when necessary.
• Collaborate with nursing service who will administer client’s medication.
• Provide transportation as related to YAS events/programming.
• Attend mandatory quarterly staff meetings and scheduled supervision as required.
• Attend training sessions, workshops or seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development.
• Staff is required to remain awake and alert at all times while at the residence.
• The primary responsibility of the overnight staff is to assure the safety and well-being of all residents.
• Staff will be responsible for some cleaning.
• May perform other assignments and duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of college education (human services or behavioral science preferred) or High School Diploma or Equivalent and 2 years direct care work experience in behavioral health residential care.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organization’s auto insurance plan.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365. Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS:

• Ability to obtain and maintain BLS certification

Employment type: Part-time