Rehabilitation Counselor (A/B) - Recovery from Addictions Program

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is seeking two self-motivated individuals to provide rehabilitative services to clients including, but not limited to, developing and implementing activities, establishing groups in collaboration with treatment teams, and assessing and evaluating clients. The selected candidate must comply with all federal regulations, 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8, Confidentiality of Alcohol Abuse Policy, and HIPAA Regulations.

Please note: The selected candidate will work 40 hours Sunday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. The days off will be Friday and Saturday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

Provides groups to meet patient’s needs and goals.

Plans leisure activities as directed by supervisor/department head by proper scheduling, acquiring materials and supplies, coordinating services with the other units/departments within the hospital. Publicizes activities to enhance the quality of life for clients in the program.

Completes treatment notes for all patients involved in groups, documenting patient progress related to person centered goals.

Activity and vocational program schedules are completed monthly.

Attends assigned meetings, as assigned

Documentation/data entry of a confidential nature is performed in a timely and accurate fashion in keeping with established policies, protocols, and procedures.

Maintains and monitors rehabilitation areas and supplies for safety, security, and cleanliness. Follows all hospital wide operational protocols and department procedures regarding specific Rehab areas. Reports any concerns or events to a supervisor or designee in a timely manner.

Actively engages in supervision meetings as scheduled to give and receive feedback related to job assignments and requirements, performance needs, and acquisition of knowledge in the field of recreation and mental health.

Maintain Person Centered Approach practices.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of motivational enhancement and reinforcement techniques.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of Therapeutic Recreation.
• Knowledge of the factors, trends, and problems in providing Recreation Services to special client groups, such as mentally or physically handicapped, aged, etc.
• Knowledge of a variety of individual and group recreational activities.
• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Ability to set limits and reinforce rules.
• Must understand boundaries and ethics.
• Ability to de-escalate situations.
• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate activities.
• Computer skills (maintaining electronic case records and ability to navigate and use software programs).
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a professional manner, maintain accurate records, and other treatment related information according to the policies, protocols, and procedures of the RAP program.
• Ability to exercise group leadership and provide instruction and training to clients.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of one (1) year experience working with clients with primary substance use disorders.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP)

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers.

The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.

The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: mass.gov

Pre-Hire Process

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit mass.gov and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Required Work Experience

At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.

Substitutions

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.
• Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.