Behavioral Health Counselor

About Us:

The Delores Project provides safe, low-barrier shelter, housing, and personalized services for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. We operate a 24-7 housing-focused shelter for unaccompanied adult women and transgender individuals experiencing homelessness and a 35-unit supportive housing community for people with a disability transitioning out of chronic homelessness. We also provide one year of community-based case management for individuals who have transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing. We approach our work from Housing First, client-centered, strengths-based, harm reduction, and trauma-informed models of service and care.

About The Program:

The Behavioral Health team works collaboratively with all other program team staff members, offering on-site individual and group counseling to shelter guests and supportive housing residents. Behavioral Health also assists in managing our relationship with Colorado Access, helping guests and residents enroll in tele-therapy and psychiatry, and facilitating Mental Health 101 in the shelter Life Skills Workshop Series.

About The Job:

The Behavioral Health Counselor provides Behavioral Health support (crisis assessments and intervention, safety planning, drop-in counseling, support groups, etc.) to shelter guests and supportive housing residents/families. This position works collaboratively with the shelter, rehousing, and supportive housing program staff to facilitate referrals and ensure continuity of care.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work in close collaboration with shelter and supportive housing teams to identify guests and residents in need of Behavioral Health support.
• Conduct intake screenings, clinical assessments, and counseling services as appropriate.
• Refer shelter guests, PSH residents, and rehousing clients/former guests in need of more comprehensive support to Behavioral Health services in the community.
• Develop individualized care plans with residents and guests, monitoring progress through regular and ongoing contact with those receiving services.
• Maintain appropriate documentation regarding progress, challenges, and goal accomplishment, as well as any other supporting documents.
• Facilitate in-office and virtual individual counseling sessions, as well as life skills and group therapy as appropriate.
• Attend staff and clinical meetings, group consultation, and supervision with programs.
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend hours, to best meet the needs of guests and residents.
• Other program-related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or related mental health field required (licensed or licensed eligible)
• Two years of post-graduate experience in the human services field.
• Solid understanding of client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and housing-first models of service and care.
• Two years' work or volunteer experience with communities of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ individuals, and/or those experiencing poverty and/or homelessness; CPR and mental health first aid training (preferred).
• Ability to work with special populations including victims of trauma, those with chronic mental health challenges, and/or substance use issues.
• Ability and willingness to suspend judgment of other people's identities and life choices.
• Solid understanding of and commitment to professional boundaries and the ability to engage all individuals calmly and consistently.
• Demonstrate interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds and skills in a team-oriented work environment.
• Bilingual Spanish and/or American Sign language preferred.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, organizational and problem-solving skills, ability to exercise initiative and decision-making, and ability to work independently.
• Staff are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine before starting employment.

Benefits:

The Delores Project offers a generous benefits package that includes eleven paid holidays, PTO, medical/dental/vision/life/Behavioral Healthcare insurance, an optional flex-spending account, and an optional Simple IRA with a 3% employer match.

Working Conditions:

This position works with and supports a residential environment to include walking, standing, sitting, lifting up to 30 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, balancing, stopping, and kneeling. Work also includes manual dexterity for typing/operating a computer, holding, grasping, and turning objects. Work also requires the ability to speak and use normal or aided vision or hearing. Hazards may involve exposure to common household chemicals, occasional loud noises, and exposure to illness or unsanitary hygiene.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you are passionate about helping individuals and families obtain stable housing and meet the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

All applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 3rd, 2024.