JOB TITLE: Behavioral Health Counselor
PAY GRADE: E7
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Health & Community Services
REPORTS TO: Psychologist

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Provides individual, group and family counseling and education services for adults, and youth. Works in an integrative team approach to provide services for the treatment of substance use and other behavioral health issues. This position description many not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which may be found or assigned of this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Conducts comprehensive interviews and assessments to develop individualized treatment plans.
Provides individual and group counseling and education for adults and youths to address treatment issues.
Conducts and facilitates group counseling sessions.
Provide and/or arranges for emergency interventions as appropriate for patients or clients in crisis.
Prepares inpatient treatment referral packets for clients based upon level of care needed.
Provides competent delivery of services for clients who have been diagnosed through assessments as having co-occurring disorders, medical issues, psychiatric disorders, and other psychological, social and family issues.
Acts as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
Assists clients, or oversees that community provides assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments , arrange for or providing transportation to appointments, and providing support.
Completes, maintains and updates accurate records and reports regarding the patients histories and progress, services provide and other required information.
Provides ongoing case management for clients. Plans, implements, and documents follow-up and after care programs for clients.
Attends court hearings for clients.
Participates in weekly program case consultation, service provider teams, and weekly administrative staff meetings as required.
Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.
Prepares or assists with the preparation of scheduled and/or forecasting , as specifically directed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree Social Work, Human Services, Psychology or related field. Three years of substance abuse , social work and case management experience working with children and families. LADAC, LMSW, or LMHC license. Tiwa speaking preferred. Valid New Mexico drivers license with ability to meet Pueblo’s liability insurance requirements and maintain eligibility for insurance. Must be able to pass drug test and background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
Knowledge of patient evaluation and plan of care procedures.
Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities.
Knowledge and understanding of clinical counseling principles, and methodology.
Knowledge of community health care and vocational services.
Knowledge of community wellness and mental health resources.
Knowledge of case management and crisis intervention techniques.
Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to patients’ rights.
Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Access, and presentation software(such as PowerPoint).
Database management skills.
Interviewing skills.
Skill in making effective decisions in emergency situations.
Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
Ability to apply mental health counseling methods and techniques.
Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual modifications.
Ability to emotional stability to cope with human suffering. Emergencies, and other stresses.
Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to prepare accurate , complete, and legible reports and create and present detailed, accurate, objective, and effective speeches and presentations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; walk; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is regularly performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Situations where extreme caution must be exercised sometimes occur when working with individuals. Employees may be required to be on-call. Evening and/or weekend work is required.