Behavioral Health Counselor

General Purpose: 

The Behavioral Health Counselor is working with a PROS program to conduct individual and group services.

Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive model that integrates rehabilitation, treatment, and support services for people with serious mental illness and possible other co-occurring disorders.

The Behavioral Health counselor works with PROS participants towards goals in different areas:

• Living independently
• Building natural supports
• Finding and keeping a job
• Reaching higher levels of education
• Securing preferred housing
• Improving medication management

This will be carried out as indicated by NYS OMH Part 512 Regulations and Medicaid requirements.

Essential Functions: 

• Manage a caseload of up to 25 consumers, including case management, collateral contacts, referrals, vocational assistance, and other needs, to coordinate services.
• Conduct required assessments including Wellness Recovery Action Plans, Psycho-socials, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and Substance Use screenings and assessment. 
• Develop Individualized Recovery Plans (IRP) in collaboration with participants, on a bi-annual basis, or more often as necessary.  
• Maintain and update demographic, treatment and employment data in electronic health records (Foothold AWARDS, OMH CAIRS database, and NYESS).
• Facilitate member access to community support services including medical, mental health, substance abuse, housing and entitlements.
• Develop and facilitate approximately 6 -8 groups, according to protocol and curriculum, which will cover CRS, ORS, IR and Clinical Services as dictated.
• Conduct individual counseling sessions to assist program participants with attainment of the life role goals specified in their IRPs.  
• Document consumers’ progress towards goals in monthly progress notes and determine the need for addition or subtraction of services offered to each participant on an ongoing basis.     
• Coordinate treatment including the sharing of Individual Recovery Plans and Progress Notes for participants who are co-enrolled with other agencies as necessary.
• Provide services according to Evidence Based Practices including Wellness Self Management, Family Psychoeducation (CCFC), Medication Management, Co-occurring Disorders (IDDT), and Supported Employment (IPS).  
• Coordinate follow-up services once a participant is ready for discharge from the program.
• Act as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, including participation in weekly administrative, clinical and utilization review meetings.  
• Assume overall responsibility for maintenance of client records, including timely documentation of services in Electronic Health Record (AWARDS), as required by Medicaid and the Office of Mental Health.  
• Develop and maintain collateral relationships with consumers’ other providers and family as clinically indicated  
• Carry a 24-hour support cell phone in rotation with the clinical team.  
• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: .

A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Development and related field, 3+ years of experience working with adults with mental illness and/or families dealing with mental illness. Masters Degree preferred.

Team-based skills are essential.  

Previous experience working with individuals with psychiatric/co-occurring disorders preferred. Knowledge of running groups preferred.

Computer skills and knowledge of service documentation required.

Criminal background check and fingerprinting required; screening for the GSA, OIG and OMIG lists of persons disallowed from working in Medicaid funded programs