Internship

Outreach Development Corporation (Outreach) is a non-profit organization that helps people address the issues stemming from substance use and behavioral health disorders by providing the highest quality, life-changing treatment, training and tools to build healthy lives. Our mission is to inspire individuals and families to achieve a life of unlimited potential by developing and delivering the highest quality evidence-based behavioral health services and training. For more information, please visit www.opiny.org.

Position:   INTERN  (Substance Abuse  / Mental Health Counselor)

The Intern will have an opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience by working closely with experienced industry counseling professionals. In this role, the intern will work in our Outreach Suffolk Avenue Outpatient program in Brentwood, NY. The Intern Counselor is responsible for learning the aspects of the delivery and implementation of long-term supervision, support and clinical services to a population of chemically dependent clients with co-occurring and mental health disorders. 

What You Will Do:  

• Conduct assessments, intakes and participate in level of care determinations by gathering appropriate data, orienting client to his/her rights and responsibilities and program expectations.  
• Complete necessary administrative procedures for admission to treatment and as appropriate, assist in development of treatment plan
• Facilitate admission/referral to other programs or agencies for clients in need of services not offered at Unit. 
• Provide individual, group, and/or family counseling services in a professional, ethical and competent manner
• Manage all aspects of assigned caseload during treatment, with special attention to appropriate levels of care and appropriate clinical interventions
• Provide backup coverage in the event of other clinical staff absences. Complete all needed documentation and reports in a timely manner and inform Program leadership (Director, Asst.
• Director, and/or Coordinator) of any problems or anticipated inability to meet deadlines.    
• Actively participate in staff meetings, case conferences and other unit meetings.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with referents and other collateral contacts (i.e., Probation, Parole, CPS, managed care, E.A.P.’s, courts, etc.) through timely written, phone, computerized or other responses.   
• Maintain communication and teamwork with clinical staff to integrate and enhance clinical services.
• Conduct toxicology testing as needed.  
• Oversee and/or coordinates care with managed care organizations of identified clients who need either direct or indirect case supervision from a licensed mental health counselor  
• Demonstrate initiative in task identification and completion; use time efficiently and work with the Program Director and Program Coordinator to effectively handle the volume of work.
• Address program issues with the Program Coordinator, which pertain to strategic objectives, annual plan and overall delivery of services.  Participate in and support agency quality improvement programs; support actions to improve care and services based on outcome data.
• Identify, plan and implement appropriate activities under the director of the Program Coordinator.
• Exercise due diligence in the delivery of quality care in line with agency Medicaid Compliance Plan and systems of accountability

Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a degree in human services, behavioral health social work and mental health, or related field required.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.