Counselor III

Statement of Purpose

The Counselor III fulfills assigned role as a part of the treatment team, maintaining the well being of clients and integrity of the program.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, family systems and 12-Step/recovery resources in the community. 

• Develop and maintain individualized records of client progress and participation in treatment including admission and discharge, individual, group, family, vocational (both individual and group) literacy training, and other occasions as appropriate. 

• Ability to write clear (and concise) statements, summarizing client’s feelings, expressions, resistance and response to their treatment plan; goals and objectives.  Includes letters to referral agencies, courts/probation.

• Ability to confront behavioral changes, identify a crisis, and recognize when additional assistance is necessary.

• Ability to recognize personal issues that have an impact on job performance and interactions with clients.

• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.

• Ability to demonstrate respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.

• Ability to prepare for, and facilitate specialty groups.

• Knowledge of referrals, both in and out of the BHS treatment system. 

• Knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-Step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).

• Ability to communicate clearly, with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources. 

• Thorough understanding of computer operations; Windows and word processing (MS Word).  Ability to readily adapt to the Caminar information system.

Counselor III Competencies and Performance Expectations

All Counselor III’s are expected to meet the requirements of Counselor I and Counselor II, and in addition are expected to:

• Oversee daily program activities
• Identify a crisis
• Train, coach, and mentor staff
• Make clinical decisions
• Conduct and facilitate specialty groups
   

Prerequisite Qualifications

Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position.  Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.

Completion of a state-recognized chemical dependency counselor certification. Required current certification number issued from a statewide or nationwide credentialing body (i.e. CCAPP) received upon completion of passing the California Certification exam or a Master’s degree in related field and registered and enrolled in a state-recognized chemical dependency counselor certification program, or MFT or MSW licensed waivered.  Five years’ substance abuse work experience. Failure to maintain certification or licensure will result in loss of employment.

Must have valid California driver’s license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business.

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.

Specific qualifications may vary based on assignment. The supervisor will initial those items on the following list, which apply and write N/A to indicate those qualifications, which are not applicable:

_____  Certification as domestic violence counselor required in lieu of chemical dependency counselor certification.

_____  Certification as domestic violence counselor required in addition to chemical dependency counselor certification.

_____  Class “B” California Driver’s License.

_____ Class “C” California Driver’s License

_____  Personal vehicle with liability insurance for reimbursable mileage, generally short distances.

_____  First Aid certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.

_____ CPR certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current

thereafter.

_____ Medication training required within 30 days of employment.

_____ Bi-lingual (specify: ___________________)

_____Obtain NPI Number

_____ Develop computer skills adequate to perform Caminar/word processing duties within 90 days of employment.

            *Computer skills able to perform Caminar/word processing duties.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.