Mental Health Specialist l- Substance Abuse Counselor

Stars Behavioral Health Group was recently certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®, based on extensive ratings provided by its employees in anonymous surveys. According to the study, 75 percent of employees say it is a great workplace.
 

We are committed to providing a career-enhancing environment for dedicated professionals desiring to improve the lives of people living with mental health and other challenges to their wellbeing. SBHG currently employs approximately 1,700 people at more than 45 different sites throughout California. We serve more than 30,000 adults, children, youth and families annually throughout the state. We strongly value and are committed to having a truly diverse workforce and environment- including LGBTQ, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in our workforce. We also value lived experience and employ staff who have been consumers of behavioral healthcare or other social services, or supported a consumer as a family member or caregiver.

Our experienced staff of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Specialists, Parent Partners and other therapists/counselors provide case management, mental health care and a range of support services in our outpatient clinics and 24/7 treatment facilities, and in community settings such as schools and homes. Our dedicated teams work collaboratively and in partnership with family members, school administrators and faculty, county social workers, case managers, probation officers and other community-based agencies.

JOB SUMMARY 

This position is responsible for development of client treatment plans in conjunction with the client and treatment team.  Provides group, individual counseling and other supportive services which are appropriate to the participant’s recovery process.  Facilitates various education and awareness workshops on topics appropriate to recovery.  Makes appropriate referrals as necessary to contribute to client’s recovery in accordance to Agency policy.  Places professional documentation in participant records in a timely manner.  Assists clients in recovery and exit planning as well as providing telephone or other follow-up services for clients leaving the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Associate’s Degree in general studies plus 6-years direct service experience in a Mental Health field (QMHP) with experience in the chemical dependency field preferred; OR

Bachelor’s Degree in a Mental Health–related discipline plus 4-years direct service experience in a Mental Health field (QMHP) with experience in the chemical dependency field preferred; OR

Master’s Degree in a Mental Health–related discipline plus 2-years direct service experience in a Mental Health field (QMHP) with experience in the chemical dependency field preferred.

License or Certification

Chemical dependency counselor certification, e.g., CADC, or Certificate program from a recognized WASC University of 12 credits preferred.

California Driver’s License

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintains vigilance over the general milieu within the facility to facilitate quality client care, optimum facility operations and preserve the safety of all therein.

2. Coordinates and provides direct and indirect substance abuse treatment to clients under the supervision of the Program Director or his/her designee.

3. Performs a written assessment of new clients utilizing verbal, written, auditory and visual communication.

4. Counsels patients/clients to prevent relapses by assisting them in recognizing casual factors of substance abuse and in developing appropriate coping behavior as it relates to the clients mental health recovery.

5. Actively participates in Treatment Team meetings and assists in the development of a written Interdisciplinary Treatment Plan.

6. Makes referrals to appropriate community agencies based on rehabilitation assessments and treatment team concurrence.

7. Implements harm reduction techniques using models such as Motivational Interviewing.

8. Prepares reports regarding client's participation and progress in the program, and makes written documentation of same in the medical record.

9. Assists with maintaining inventory and equipment by visually inspecting equipment and supply levels and then communicating needs in the form of purchase orders in writing or orally to vendors with the approval of the Director or his/her designee.

10. Transports clients in facility vehicles as directed.

11. Provides and implements safety and security measures for staff and clients as directed.

12. Assists in crisis intervention (including the use of ProACT) and provides support and assistance in problem resolution.

13. Uses ProACT to appropriately intervene with assaultive/volatile clients.

14. Participates in ProACT Team assignments and activities.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Interacts and communicates both verbally and in writing with seriously emotionally disturbed children, adolescents or adults and their parents, foster parents, caregivers, other staff, physicians, county agencies, other health care and social services providers and the public.

2. Provides effective individual/family rehabilitation and case management services.

3. Appropriately conducts and participates in client treatment planning meetings.

4. Maintains on-going relations with other county agencies, health care facilities, placement centers and other resources necessary to affect the continuum of care for clients.

5. Interacts and communicates with other clinical and non-clinical staff.

6. Appropriately completes all required forms, chart reviews and chart updates in a timely manner and in accordance with agency protocols.

7. Makes appropriate linkages using knowledge of agency specific programs and/or community resources, especially related to mental health, education, medical services, criminal justice, and social services.

8. Produces clear, concise and timely professional documentation and correspondence in accordance with county and agency protocols.

9. Monitors and contributes to the cleanliness of the facility.

10. Reads and responds to company communications via email, telephone or other selected mode within a reasonable timeframe. Logs in to established company information sharing sites regularly to maintain current knowledge of changes in policy, procedure, events, etc.  

11. Regularly attends department meetings and mandatory work meetings, events, etc. as assigned by Management/Administration.

12. Actively participates in the agency’s and SBHG’s Total Quality Management and Continuous Quality Improvement systems which support compliance with Joint Commission and other accreditation standards as applicable.

13. Participates in TQM activities as requested including CQI subcommittees, probes, peer review, audit and/or tracer activities