Mental Health Counselor

Description

Reporting Relationships: The Mental Health Counselor report to the Case Manager Supervisor

Position Summary: The Mental Health Counselor counsels’ residents of the DHS Shelter Program with an emphasis on prevention. The Mental Health Counselor works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. The Mental Health Counselor develops collaborative relationships with other disciplines to assure effective client care.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Case Manager Supervisor, Mental Health counselors are expected to perform the following principal duties and responsibilities.

• Perform or co-lead individual and group counseling focused on substance use disorders, mental health or cooccurring issues.
• Use a person-centered approach to help clients set goals, identify interests, and address concerns
• Learn about the psychological history of the client(s) to provide strategic interventions and services.
• Participate in appropriate education activities, professional development trainings, and department meetings, as scheduled.
• Perform monthly workshops for shelter residents to promote optimum mental health (i.e., hygiene, medication management, wellness, self-care, coping skills, harm reduction, etc.)
• Collaborate with social service leadership to recommend appropriate treatment services and referrals for each client.
• Make recommendations based on assessment and evaluation of client’s progress to determine higher/lower level of care is needed to overcome barriers to independent living.
• Prepares, writes, and maintained all required documentation, reports and case notes of client’s progress.
• Develop and maintain contacts with various community agencies to gather information on available resources.
• Participate in the coordination of care with collateral contacts.
• Participate in the completion of case summaries in components related to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• May be required to complete biopsychosocial assessments, as assigned.
• Collaborate with the social service team to complete, or assist with incident follow up practices pertaining to mental health/substance use disorders.
• Collaborate with the social service team to formulate/coordinate documentation required for supportive housing applications.
• Occasionally, perform other duties as requested by immediate supervisor

Qualifications

Minimal Qualifications:

Degree Requirement: Master’s Degree with at least 1-2 years of direct experience providing mental health services in a professional, counseling, clinical, or therapeutic environment, a relevant social service discipline (MSW, MHC, MPA,) is preferred or;

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related social science field (Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, etc.) with at least 2-3 years of direct experience providing mental health services in a professional, counseling, clinical, or therapeutic environment.

Essential (Physical) Job Requirements:

• The person in this position needs to move about inside the shelter facility to access office machinery, file cabinets, training materials, access meetings rooms, etc.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position about 50%.
• Constantly operates a computer, phone, and printer.
• Frequently communicates with social service staff to exchange accurate information, updates, convey, changes pertaining to each client.
• Must be able to assess and observe changes in activities of daily living.

Other Qualifications:

• Knowledge of person centered/trauma informed approach
• Knowledge of crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques
• Exemplary emotional intelligence and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet key deadlines.
• Ability to work and provide outstanding services to diverse homeless population
• Strong time management skills and organization skills.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of New York State and City pay transparency laws.  Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individuals’ competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience and performance in the role. 

Compensation

The base salary compensation being offered for this role is $56,656.

Benefits

AAPCI provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

•           Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental & Vision

•           Commuter Benefits

•           Employee Assistance Program

•           Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (23 days)

•           Life Insurance

•           Long Term Disability

•           Retirement Benefits Plan (403B)

•           You may also get your college student debt forgiven tax free on Federal Direct Loans created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF, if you work full-time and after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a Qualifying Repayment Plan.

“AAPCI is subject to, and in compliance with, the New York City Order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to Require COVID-19 Vaccination for City Employees and Certain City Contractors. AAPCI will consider requests for reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law and the New York City Order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to Require COVID-19 Vaccination for City Employees and Certain City Contractors.”

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

AAPCI is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity to all qualified applicants without regard to actual or perceived  race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.