Mental Health Counselor - Outreach Services

Hybrid work from home position with some in-person

Flexible part-time or full-time opportunity (up to 37.5 hours per week)

Grade 17

Job Summary

The Mental Health Counselor - Outreach Services will provide trauma-informed, wellness-focused support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Provides early intervention and care management services. Coordinates activities and events to promote community engagement and support homeless individuals and families to rebuild sustainable independence. This position will provide direct services to people of all ages, according to OCO’s service delivery standards in diverse locations, including street-based, OCO offices, other agency offices, program sites, public places and the homes of consumers. Independently provides early intervention and care management services to homeless individuals. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide crisis counseling, advocacy, and solution-focused support to individuals in crisis or with severe mental illness.
• Assist consumers in accessing community services and monitor service provision.
• Develop assessments and service plans using a strengths-based approach.
• Facilitate life skills coaching, education, and support groups.
• Promote positive relationships among participants, families, and communities.
• Collaborate with community partners to implement joint protocols and ensure compliance.
• Organize and participate in community-building and empowerment events.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services and outcomes.
• Provide training to staff and partners on specialized topics.
• Support direct service staff through casework guidance and problem-solving.
• Represent the agency in community settings and lead program-specific initiatives.
• Participate in on-call crisis intervention and staff support as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Must be comfortable providing direct services on the street to homeless individuals, including counseling supports
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties.
• Must have the demonstrated ability to work with others in a warm, non-judgmental manner and be a positive role model
• Must be able to cooperatively plan with others and be creative in planning.
• Must exhibit professionalism, good judgment and flexibility.
• Must possess valid NYS Driver’s license and have access to registered, reliable vehicle for travel and transporting clients.
• Must have acceptable physical and mental health to carry out responsibilities of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, or Counseling (LCSW, CASAC, LMSW, LMHC, RN or Licensed Psychologist) and one year experience working with homeless individuals

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Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.