Co-Occurring Counselor

About US:

Join Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community. As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. We offer rewarding healthcare careers, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative culture. If you are seeking a career that provides purpose and opportunity, Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is the place to grow, make a difference, and build a rewarding future.

Employee Perks:

• Affordable Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits
• Healthcare/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental & Vision
• PTO & Sick Time Accrual
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-Term Disability
• Legal Plan/ Plus Parent Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs for Travel, Entertainment, Childcare, Auto & More

About the Role:

The Co-Occurring Counselor plays a critical role in supporting individuals who are managing both mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously. This position involves conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the unique needs of each client and developing personalized treatment plans that address both conditions in an integrated manner. The counselor collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care and facilitates individual and group therapy sessions to promote recovery and resilience. A key outcome of this role is to empower clients with coping strategies and resources that foster long-term wellness and reduce the risk of relapse. Ultimately, the Co-Occurring Counselor contributes to improving clients' overall quality of life by addressing the complex interplay between mental health and addiction challenges.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Certification or licensure as a substance abuse counselor or mental health counselor as required by state regulations.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based treatment modalities for dual diagnosis, such as CBT and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in counseling practice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in an integrated behavioral health setting.
• Training or certification in trauma-informed care or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data reporting requirements.
• Bilingual skills or experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate clients' mental health and substance use conditions.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that integrate mental health and substance use interventions.
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions focused on co-occurring disorders using evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care.
• Monitor client progress regularly and adjust treatment approaches as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Educate clients and their families about co-occurring disorders and available community resources.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with best practices in dual diagnosis treatment.

Skills:

The Co-Occurring Counselor utilizes strong interpersonal and communication skills daily to build trust and rapport with clients facing complex challenges. Critical thinking and clinical assessment skills are essential for accurately diagnosing and developing effective treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs. The counselor applies therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to facilitate client engagement and promote behavioral change. Collaboration skills are vital when working alongside multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care delivery. Additionally, organizational skills are employed to maintain detailed documentation and manage caseloads efficiently, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.