Behavioral Health Counselor

Job Description Job Description

General Purpose:

The Behavioral Health Counselor is working with a PROS program to conduct individual and group services. Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive model that integrates rehabilitation, treatment, and support services for people with serious mental illness and possible other co-occurring disorders. The Behavioral Health counselor works with PROS participants towards goals in different areas: Living independently Building natural supports Finding and keeping a job Reaching higher levels of education Securing preferred housing Improving medication management This will be carried out as indicated by NYS OMH Part 512 Regulations and Medicaid requirements.

Essential Functions:

Manage a caseload of up to 25 consumers, including case management, collateral contacts, referrals, vocational assistance, and other needs, to coordinate services. Conduct required assessments including Wellness Recovery Action Plans, Psycho-socials, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and Substance Use screenings and assessment.

Develop Individualized Recovery Plans (IRP) in collaboration with participants, on a bi-annual basis, or more often as necessary.

Maintain and update demographic, treatment and employment data in electronic health records (Foothold AWARDS, OMH CAIRS database, and NYESS). Facilitate member access to community support services including medical, mental health, substance abuse, housing and entitlements. Develop and facilitate approximately 6 -8 groups, according to protocol and curriculum, which will cover CRS, ORS, IR and Clinical Services as dictated. Conduct individual counseling sessions to assist program participants with attainment of the life role goals specified in their IRPs.

Document consumers’ progress towards goals in monthly progress notes and determine the need for addition or subtraction of services offered to each participant on an ongoing basis.

Coordinate treatment including the sharing of Individual Recovery Plans and Progress Notes for participants who are co-enrolled with other agencies as necessary. Provide services according to Evidence Based Practices including Wellness Self Management, Family Psychoeducation (CCFC), Medication Management, Co-occurring Disorders (IDDT), and Supported Employment (IPS).

Coordinate follow-up services once a participant is ready for discharge from the program. Act as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, including participation in weekly administrative, clinical and utilization review meetings.

Assume overall responsibility for maintenance of client records, including timely documentation of services in Electronic Health Record (AWARDS), as required by Medicaid and the Office of Mental Health.

Develop and maintain collateral relationships with consumers’ other providers and family as clinically indicated

Carry a 24-hour support cell phone in rotation with the clinical team.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:  . A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Development and related field, 3+ years of experience working with adults with mental illness and/or families dealing with mental illness. Masters Degree preferred. Team-based skills are essential.

Previous experience working with individuals with psychiatric/co-occurring disorders preferred. Knowledge of running groups preferred. Computer skills and knowledge of service documentation required. Criminal background check and fingerprinting required; screening for the GSA, OIG and OMIG lists of persons disallowed from working in Medicaid funded programs

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