What are the responsibilities and job description for the MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR I position at Buckelew Programs Inc?
Work with great people doing great things! Join Buckelew Programs and play a pivotal role in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in the North Bay.
The Mental Health Counselor I provides direct support to clients living independently in the community or within a Buckelew housing environment. This position plays a key role in promoting client recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. Working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health Counselor I may serve clients in the field, depending on the specific program. This is an onsite position working Tuesday, 9 am through Wednesday, 1 pm.
Responsibilities
Administrative Responsibilities
Education and Experience
The Mental Health Counselor I provides direct support to clients living independently in the community or within a Buckelew housing environment. This position plays a key role in promoting client recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. Working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health Counselor I may serve clients in the field, depending on the specific program. This is an onsite position working Tuesday, 9 am through Wednesday, 1 pm.
Responsibilities
Administrative Responsibilities
- Collaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues.
- Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records.
- Performs Electronic Health Record (EHR) medication documentation duties.
- Teach and assist clients with activities of daily living, adapting support to their individual needs and readiness levels.
- Monitor and report on client well-being, including mood and behavior. Ensure and model adherence to agency safety protocols.
- Support clients with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation, offering skill-building assistance as appropriate.
- Provide medication prompts, ensure proper storage, monitor adherence, and support timely refills as required by program guidelines.
- Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; support clients in learning and using public transportation.
- Assist clients with attending and coordinating medical appointments.
- Perform general housekeeping tasks (e.g., vacuuming, dishwashing, dusting) as needed.
- Conduct basic maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors) and report major repair needs to the supervisor.
- Maintain adequate household supplies and restock as needed.
- Deliver services that align with program goals, emphasizing client progress and satisfaction.
- Comply with all legal, regulatory, and contractual standards (e.g., CARF, Medi-Cal, HUD) and maintain program certifications and licensing requirements.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders preferred.
- Fluent in English; bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a calm, organized, and empathetic manner.
- Interest and comfort in working with individuals with behavioral health needs.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) at a basic to intermediate level.
- Must be a dependable, flexible, and collaborative team player.
- Valid California driver’s license, an insurable driving record, and access to a personal, insured vehicle required.
- Ability to pass a Live Scan background check, as required by program regulations.
- Ability to perform intermittent physical activities including sitting, standing, driving, talking, listening, seeing, bending, squatting, reaching, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), and using hands for grasping or typing.
- Capacity for sustained physical activity such as driving, writing, standing, or computer work.