Licensed Counselor

SCOPE:

Provides individual and group counseling and education to young adults ages 18 and over in permanent supportive and/or rapid rehousing programs. Provides counselling to youth\ young adults in shelter and\or community. Services provided may be within an office, home, or other community setting. Assists the Program Director in providing clinical guidance, training, and education to non-clinical staff members; contributes to the mission of Goodwill by helping to maximize the opportunities for participants who are homeless and have other barriers to become more independent, working within the limits of established policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Completes biopsychosocial assessments; obtains specialized medical/social history through interview, observation, appraisal, assessment methods or review of participants’ case records.
2. Works with program participants to complete a risk assessment and develop a crisis plan within 14 days of completion of enrollment into the program.
3. Prepares findings, diagnostic impressions, diagnosis, and recommendations. 
4. Works with participants to design and implement an individualized person-centered plan (PDP) with goals that may address behavioral health needs, substance use/abuse, harm reduction activities, life skills training, career development, and education.  Uses a strengths-based approach.
5. Completes quarterly reviews of the PDP with the program participant and case manager if applicable and adjusts plans in accordance with participant’s capabilities, needs and interests.
6. Conducts individual and group therapy sessions utilizing an evidenced based approach in the participant’s home, shelter and/or office setting to assist in overcoming dependencies, improving basic life skills, addressing the transition into adulthood, and making positive changes to achieve goals identified in the PDP.
7. Collaborates with program Psychiatrist and may educate participants on medication options.
8. Documents all individual/group therapy sessions in the client track database system.  Documents any/all activities done with, for and/or on behalf of the program participant in accordance with agency policy.
9. May assist in linking the program participant to other resources within the community as needed/desired/necessary.  Documents those efforts in the client track database in accordance with agency policy.
10. Demonstrates a treatment philosophy that is consistent with a trauma informed approach as well as with the goals and mission of the Housing First Model.
11. Participates in staff team meetings and trainings as required.
12. May facilitate clinical training for other staff members based on area of expertise.
13. Assists the department in preparation for internal/external agency audits as per GGI guidelines.
14. May need to respond to participant crisis situations and conduct Baker Acts.  Utilizes verbal de-escalation techniques as appropriate.
15. Acts as a participant advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
16. Is familiar with the Stages of Change of Model and uses this model to assist program participants in facilitating positive behavioral changes.
17. Manages referrals to other community based organizations.
18. Assists participants in processing life changes and transitions.
19. Promotes mindfulness and wellness.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Demonstrate by words and actions a commitment to the Goodwill mission to help people with disabilities and other barriers to become self-sufficient, working members of the community.
2. Perform or assist with any duties or operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements.
3. Maintain safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules, keeping work area in a clean and orderly condition.
4. Participate in any variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, and policies.
5. Work flexible hours including nights and weekends depending on participant need.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. Master’s degree in social work with Licensed Clinical Social Work certification or Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 
2. Minimum two (2) years’ experience in behavioral health, substance abuse, dual diagnosis and/or working with homelessness/formerly homeless individuals.
3. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with program participants, other staff and outside agency representatives.
4. Experience and knowledge in utilization of motivational interviewing.
5. Experience and knowledge in utilization of the Stages of Change.
6. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
7. Ability to problem solve and/or act as mediator.
8. Must be able to respond and effectively manage crisis situations.
9. Must be detail oriented; ability to meet schedules and complete work assignments successfully.
10. May need to respond to program participants calls after hours.
11. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license, valid insurance, reliable transportation for travel and the ability to be insured under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. General office environment
2. Regular pushing, pulling, stretching, reaching, kneeling stooping and bending
3. Occasional lifting and/or carrying up to 30 lbs.
4. Regular travel

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer and peripherals, standard software programs including word processing, spreadsheets, standard office and safety equipment.