SUMMARY

The purpose of the Counselor position is to assist in building a therapeutic environment for the youth in the program in order to ensure their safety and stability. The Counselors work as part of the Clinical/Therapeutic Team to ensure all the youth in the program are provided with a safe environment and appropriate care/treatment planning occurs to ensure the youth has a smooth transition to a long term placement. The Counselor will conduct regular therapeutic sessions with the youth on their assigned case load and provide crisis counseling as necessary. The Counselor hours vary based upon youth/program need and may include evenings and weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the program’s management to ensure all necessary services are initiated and monitored for assigned cases.
• Accurately screen and assess youths’ needs at admission and routine intervals while completing required documentation within the required guidelines.
• Completion of the IM CANS / IATP at time of admission and six months or when the need arises.
• Assist in the development of comprehensive care/treatment plans as identified through screening documentation and on-going determination of youth needs.
• Communicate with external parties for the purpose of gathering historical information regarding past treatment / interventions of the youth.
• Develop youth Behavior Management Plans within the required timelines.
• Advocate for the youth and needed services/resources with both internal and external service providers.
• Actively participate in permanency planning and discharge.
• Provide and document therapeutic and skill building interventions, in individual and group-based setting. Staff may not be alone with youth until a cleared background check is received from DCFS.
• Provide and document crisis intervention services when the need is identified within the required guidelines.
• Provide regular therapeutic sessions with the youth on assigned case load.
• Provide transportation for youth, supervise and observe all safety regulations as required by program. Staff may not provide transportation until cleared driver’s clearance obtained from DCFS.
• Participate in psychiatric services as youth need dictates.
• Attend and/or participate in Discharge / Clinical Intervention Placement Preservation (DCIPP and CIPP) staffing's, Care Coordination meetings, staff meetings and any other case related meetings as designated by the supervisor.
• Participate in agency and DCFC initiatives as indicated.
• Produce all required documentation (agency and funder) in an accurate and timely manner.
• Participate in clinical supervision and program meetings as required.
• Provide on-site clinical related trainings as designated.
• Fully and professionally respond to and implement directives, constructive feedback and advice offered by all supervisory and training personnel, as well as professionally offered feedback from co-workers.
• Ensure compliance with agency personnel file.
• Complete all Core Curriculum training(s) (MedTrainer) required for this position and attend any additional training identified by program management as necessary for the job.

WORK HOURS

• Willing to work varying hours based on the need of the program. Hours may include evenings and weekends.
• Report to work site on time and fully prepared to engage in all job responsibilities.
• If qualified, willing to cover job responsibilities of co-workers or subordinates in the event of an emergency or shortage as assigned by Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field and two years related experience and/or training required.

Experience working with children and/or adolescents in congregate care settings is strongly preferred. Bilingual preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• IM CANS Certification – if does not possess at time of hire must have completed within two weeks of hire.
• Current driver’s license
• Current auto insurance
• Clear driving record
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• The ability to critically think, work well under stress and work well in crisis-oriented situations.
• The ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and customer service skills.

Aunt Martha’s is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.