Mental Health Counselor

Description

The Mental Health Counselor provides counseling services to residents of the DHS Shelter Program with an emphasis on prevention. The Mental Health Counselor works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health and develops collaborative relationships with other disciplines to assure effective client care.

The Mental Health Counselor reports to the Program Director.

The Mental Health Counselor counsels residents of the DHS Shelter Program with an emphasis on prevention. The Mental Health Counselor works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. The Mental Health Counselor develops collaborative relationships with other disciplines to assure effective client care.

• Perform or co-lead individual and group counseling focused on substance use disorders, mental health or co-occurring issues.
• Use a person-centered approach to help clients set goals, identify interests, and address concerns.
• Learn about the psychological history of the client(s) to provide strategic interventions and services.
• Participate in appropriate education activities, professional development trainings, and department meetings, as scheduled.
• Perform monthly workshops for shelter residents to promote optimum mental health (e.g., hygiene, medication management, wellness, self-care, coping skills, harm reduction, etc.).
• Collaborate with social service leadership to recommend appropriate treatment services and referrals for each client.
• Make recommendations based on assessment and evaluation of client’s progress to determine higher/lower level of care needed to overcome barriers to independent living.
• Prepare, write, and maintain all required documentation, reports and case notes of client’s progress.
• Develop and maintain contacts with various community agencies to gather information on available resources.
• Participate in the coordination of care with collateral contacts.
• Participate in the completion of case summaries in components related to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Complete biopsychosocial and other assessments, as assigned.
• Collaborate with the social service team to complete, or assist with incident follow up practices pertaining to mental health/substance use disorders.
• Collaborate with the social service team to formulate/coordinate documentation required for supportive housing applications.
• Provide training as needed for staff members.
• Occasionally, perform other duties as requested by immediate supervisor or senior leadership.

Minimal

Qualifications:

Degree Requirement: Master’s Degree with at least 3-5 years of direct experience providing mental health services in a professional, counseling, clinical, or therapeutic environment. A relevant social service discipline (LMSW) is preferred.

• Knowledge of person centered/trauma informed approach
• Knowledge of crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques
• Exemplary emotional intelligence and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively, strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and meet key deadlines
• Ability to work and provide outstanding services to diverse homeless population
• Strong time management skills and organization skills

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of New York State and City pay transparency laws. Salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including location, competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience and performance in the role.

The base salary compensation being offered for this role is $83,575.00.

AAPCI provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

• Health and Welfare Benefits:
  Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental & Vision
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (23 days)
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Retirement Benefits Plan (403B)
• Tax-free student loan forgiveness options for qualifying programs (e.g., PSLF) for full-time employees meeting eligibility requirements

AAPCI is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity to all qualified applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.