Overview

Under the direction and guidance of the Program Director of Community Based Services and the Clinical Field Supervisor, the Counselor III provides direct support to community members experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis, which may jeopardize their current community living situation or cause psychiatric hospitalization. All work is performed within a systems-based framework, a person centered approach and the promotion of healthy and appropriate outcomes, training and development. Work is performed collaboratively with and in support of other services offered by St. Joseph's Villa. All work also adheres to the highest professional ethic standard and in compliance with St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values and guiding principles

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one behavioral support services to clients experiencing a crisis jeopardizing their current placement.

Initiate and facilitate de-escalation techniques and strategies to assist the client in maintaining self-control.

Utilize effective interpersonal communication skills to gain client cooperation and resolve conflicts.

Interact with all clients in accordance with the individual service plan and the therapeutic process.

Assess, evaluate and monitor the safety of the client and others at all times.

Utilize appropriate intervention in accordance with the least restrictive alternative to acute hospitalization.

Coordinate closely with other staff and community partners to ensure the appropriateness of treatment modalities and services rendered.

Be available for 24 Hour Emergency Crisis Response to assigned participant

Adheres to Medicaid regulations, DBHDS regulations, Villa regulations, and Mobile Crisis Stabilization policies at all times

Participates in the development and implementation of service plans, objectives and methods necessary for providing effective services to individual clients and families.

Places emphasis on person centered care by addressing the individual’s needs through evidence based practices and a multi-disciplinary team concept

Utilizes restraints per Therapeutic Options training to maintain the safety of individual clients and staff members

Maintains accurate individual case notes for all assigned clients that meet state licensing and professional accreditation standards.

Follows appropriate chain of command in emergency situations

Provides crisis intervention services in the home or community at the time of admission

Promotes good community relations and represents St. Joseph’s Villa in a positive manner to the community and families

Links clients and families with external resources as clinically appropriate and necessary during discharge

Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, trainings required by St. Joseph’s Villa and by regulatory and accrediting bodies

Performs other duties as directed or required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Psychology or Social Work and two (2) years of related clinical experience with the population. May also have approved Human Services degree and two (2) years of related clinical experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Must meet VA DBHDS qualifications for QMHP-C
• Must meet VA DBHDS qualifications for QMHP-A
• Valid Virginia driver's license and good driving record
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Previous case management and documentation related experience
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy