What are the responsibilities and job description for the MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR position at Buckelew Programs?
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.
We are hiring a new Mental Health Counselor I to join our Residential Support Services program. In this role, you will provide direct support to clients living independently within a Buckelew housing environment. You will play a key role in promoting client recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. This is a full-time position, working Tuesday, 9am, until Thursday, 1pm.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following represents key responsibilities for this role. This is not an exhaustive list; employees may be assigned other duties as needed to meet client, program, or agency needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
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.
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.