What are the responsibilities and job description for the MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR position at Buckelew Programs?
Buckelew Programs' mission is to promote recovery, resilience and hope by providing behavioral health and support services that enhance quality of life. Join us as a Mental Health Counselor I in the Residential Support Services (RSS) program, which offers 24-hour care in homelike settings for clients with moderate to severe mental illness.
As a Mental Health Counselor I, you will provide direct support to clients living 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. You will work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. This is a full-time, overnight position, working Wednesday 9 am until Friday 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.
Client Support Responsibilities
- 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.
Household and Maintenance Responsibilities
- 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.
Program Quality and Compliance
- 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.
Professional Requirements
- 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.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- 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.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.