Counseling Associate, Raise, Early Episode Program

Job Description
Under direct supervision, provides instruction, counseling and clinical case management in programmatic areas such as, rehabilitation, residential, vocational, case management and community integration to mentally ill and/or homeless clients.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Assists in providing comprehensive, intensive, and coordinated mental health or rehabilitation services to an assigned group of chronically mentally ill (including, homeless) adult clients following generally accepted counseling practices and departmental procedures by assisting in the implementation of individual rehabilitation or therapy programs and case management services as needed.
A. Participates in the development of individual treatment and/or rehabilitation plans in collaboration with a licensed therapist or staff psychiatrist by providing input from daily observations and interactions with clients/members. May co-lead group therapy with other team staff, where applicable.
B. Assists in developing clients daily living skills by teaching/demonstrating appropriate behaviors and correcting inappropriate behaviors to meet social, environmental and health care needs. Supervises and participates in performing tasks with clients, such as, cleaning, self-care/grooming, preparing meals, planning household budgets, food shopping, interpersonal relations, educational/vocational activities (clerical, maintenance) and clothing purchases.
C. Observes and documents client progress in mastering skills. Participates in the assessment of client strengths and weaknesses/limitations as related to presenting problems and recommends alternate/further treatment.
D. In conjunction with medical and other counseling staff, monitors the client's medication by observation or client self-report of medicine compliance.
2. Provides crisis intervention and emergency counseling as needed, notifying the supervisor of client condition or status in accordance with departmental protocol/procedures.
A. Initiates community referrals/follow-ups on placements and referrals for a client in a crisis situation to assist in the recovery process.
B. Makes visits as necessary in "
The field"
to manage crisis and provide outreach services, including, but not limited to, assessing the need for additional help, mobilize family or "
Network"
supports, or bring client into the center for additional services.
C. Monitors the housing unit or treatment milieu and reports repairs and maintenance to the appropriate parties, as necessary, to help maintain a safe, clean and cost effective environment.
3. Maintains comprehensive client records, and prepares required reports as necessary in accordance with departmental procedures.
A. Completes daily assessment notes for each client.
B. Communicates and documents activities and behaviors of clients in reports to maintain required records, especially Individual Rehabilitation Plans or Individual Treatment Plans.
C. Compiles and completes statistical data necessary for billing, attendance reports and use of services reports.
4. Participates in weekly clinical supervisory sessions with mental health professionals to understand the client's social and psychological problems and to evaluate and recommend changes in the rehabilitation or treatment plan as necessary with the approval of the Clinical Program Director.
5. Communicates regularly with medical and nursing staff, patients, relatives and appropriate outside agencies to assist in coordinating comprehensive psycho-social services for patients in accordance with departmental procedures.
A. Presents initial assessment information to a multi-disciplinary team for input in finalizing the diagnosis and treatment plan in accordance with departmental procedures.
6. Attends and participates in in-service training and various educational programs for professional growth and development to improve clinical skills and broaden the knowledge base. Keeps up-to-date on changes in the field. Participates in research and training activities as necessary, by helping collect data and providing service according to approved protocols.
7. Participates in cross coverage and on-call coverage when needed.
8. Provides guidance and daily direction to volunteers