Mental Health Clinician

General Responsibilities

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation’s mission is to help people live with HIV, stop the spread of the epidemic, and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey.

• Treat each client as a priority
• Respect each client’s right to quality service, confidentiality, and dignity
• Work with co‑workers to ensure integration of services
• Display a welcoming, helpful attitude to clients
• Establish and maintain personal boundaries in clinical supervision with clients or co‑workers

• Focus on improving communication and collaboration
• Try to understand the other person’s point of view when there is a challenge
• Work with all regional staff to provide a full continuum of services to clients
• Understand local community resources and can make appropriate referrals
• Be clear and tactful when collaborating and working with others

• Takes pride in his/her work
• Advances Hyacinth’s reputation for excellence
• Incorporates boundaries and ethical guidelines into decision making

Under the supervision of the HRM/CSM & the Director of Behavioral Health, the Mental Health Clinician will screen, assess and provide behavioral health counseling to participants at the Harm Reduction sites.

Approximate Percentage of Time

• Coordinate with Harm Reduction staff to receive referrals from SAP participants
• Conduct brief mental health screenings and mental health assessments
• Provide psycho‑social counseling, behavioral interventions, supportive counseling, group/individual sessions, health promotion, motivational interviewing and referrals to therapy/long term counseling
• Provide follow‑up activities to ensure appropriate linkages
• Refer clients in need of detoxification, intensive outpatient or inpatient care to substance use facilities
• Maintain a caseload of clients identified by SAP in need of ongoing behavioral counseling and support

• Establish, maintain, and update client case records using approved agency forms and procedures
• Ensure confidentiality of all records
• Prepare monthly reports in accordance with agency policies and procedures
• Maintain and update client information in required data systems

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training opportunities
• Observe established administrative procedures
• Participate in the development of administrative procedures
• Provide written reports as required
• Represent the agency at community events, meetings, and conferences
• Adhere to Hyacinth policies and procedures including client confidentiality provisions

Attend and participate in staff training opportunities

• Commitment to Hyacinth philosophy
• Access to currently registered car and a valid driver’s license a plus

Required Minimum Education
: LSW, LCSW, LAC, LPC or PhD (dual license with LCADC preferred)

Required Years of Related Experience
: 2‑4 years (minimum two years’ experience in HIV and substance use field)

Required Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

:

• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and interests
• Proficiency in written and verbal communications

Preferred

Minimum Education:

LSW, LCSW, LAC, LPC or PhD

Preferred Area of Expertise: HIV, substance use

Proficiency in written and verbal communication, critical thinking and decision‑making skills

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.