LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Job Details:

Job Location: Medical Mall MLK - MOBILE, AL, Salary Range: Undisclosed, JOB SUMMARY: This position reports to the Director of Behavioral Health. The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing quality and appropriate clinical services to patients with Co-Occurring Disorders and Opioid Use Disorders.

The Mental Health Counselor is also responsible for coordinating mental health services. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Responsible for completing Mental Health Assessments and Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for patients with Substance Use Disorders, Opioid Use Disorder or at risk.

Coordinates and provides individual group and/or family counseling to patients and families affected by Opioid Use Disorders, Substance Use Disorders and HIV/AIDS Provides comprehensive case management services by referral for patients with Opioid Use Disorders Coordinates mental health care for patients with Co-Occurring Disorders Responsible for providing and coordinating Mental Health Assessments for patients in the Ryan White, Substance Abuse and WiseWoman programs.

Develops biopsychosocial, treatment plans, discharge plans, and follow-up care programs Participates in treatment team meetings and case staffings Refers patients to other social services for financial assistance, legal services, health care services and other required services.

Establishes and maintains clinical charts, referrals, and other related documents for the treatment of assigned patients; prepares related documentation; keeps abreast of patient data to ensure appropriate treatment and care is delivered.

Works in collaboration with other program staff, and local community based organizations, to coordinate services in order to avoid duplication of services.

Assists with providing Screening/ Intake/Referral for the Outpatient Substance Abuse Program Assists in preparing monthly, quarterly and final reports for funding sources and administration.

Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, and in-service trainings in order to maintain and improve professional competence. Participates in community/public events sponsored by FPHC.

Provides in-service training specific to Opioid Use and Co-Occurring Disorders for Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. staff as needed Administers and observes the organizations office operations, policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Behavioral Health.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field Two years of related work experience preferable with a non-profit and working with the Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS and Homeless populations Must have a valid Alabama Driver’s License Knowledge of the psychosocial issues impacting Opioid Use, HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse and Homeless community.

Knowledge and understanding of clinical mental health counseling and Social work, crisis intervention techniques, principles, methods, procedures, and standards. Knowledge of community mental health resources, and /or related sources. Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to patient rights; including privacy.

Strong computer skills including experience with MS Office applications, using the Internet and Electronic Health Record.

Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health in the Primary Care Setting Licensure Required: LPC and or LICSW Required PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule), HITECH and the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Records (42 CFR part 2) policies and procedures.

Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to the policies and procedures. Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by learning to protect FPHC patients’ medical privacy.

Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by appropriately maintaining our patient information in compliance with national standards.

Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by providing appropriate security of FPHC patient records Core Competencies Technical knowledge: Understands and articulating technical concepts and information that relate to the disorder(s) treated and evidence based practices used to provide mental health/substance abuse treatment.

Recognizes signs and symptoms of substance abuse needs and co-occurring disorders related to the population served. Cultural Awareness: Able to deliver services to a diverse population.

Understands and can articulate the psychological, sociological and political aspects of providing Mental Health/Co-Occurring Disorder/Substance Abuse services to diverse populations. Ability to communicate and provide competent and appropriate services to a diverse population.

Analytical skill: Able to evaluate and assess persons receiving services. Understands psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural and developmental issues, and interprets evaluative instruments correctly in order to accurately reflect the individual’s strengths, preferences, and needs.

Interpersonal Skills: Possess the ability to establish rapport, openness, and trust. Able to interact effectively with individuals, families, and involved agencies to promote active treatment and relapse prevention.

Communication Skills: Efficient in the ability to formulate and clearly articulate ideas in both verbal and written form. Possess the ability to effectively interpret and convey verbal and non-verbal information through appropriate means for the individual and the population served.

Team Building: Works well with others and helps build a cohesive work environment. Respects the diversity of the work place and individuals’ unique characteristics. Planning/Organization of Work: Able to develop more complex programs of treatment with specific goals and objectives.

Ability to monitor and modify programs. Ability to evaluate patient needs and determine type of services/programs to provide Ability to make strategic plans for program. Good organizational skills and administrative abilities. Accountability: Follows through on commitment and agreements. Demonstrates dependability.

Takes responsibility for missed deadlines and mistakes. Communicates on progress on commitments. Documentation: Ensures that the medical record entries and other documentation are accurate, thorough and timely. Written documentation is completed on required forms using required formats without omissions.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REQUIREMENTS: Must provide the very best customer satisfaction to staff, visitors, guests, and patients at all time in a professional and courteous manner. Provide assistance in resolving customer problems relating to program services.

Coordinates efforts and interfaces with other departments to resolve problems. Doing things right the first time. Making people feel welcome. Shows respect for each customer. Anticipate customer needs and concerns. Keeps customers informed. Helping and going the extra mile. Respond quickly.

Protect privacy and confidentiality. Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette. Take responsibility for handling complaints. Be professional. Take ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: The health and safety requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must adhere to and comply with safety regulations, personnel policies and procedures.

Must receive Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually. Knowledgeable of OSHA and CLIA requirements to assure compliance; and exercise universal precautions. Receive annual health immunization updates, including TB skin tests and for clinical staff, hepatitis B series.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Performance will be evaluated by the Director of Behavioral Health annually wherein a satisfactory overall rating is considered as a minimum acceptable level of performance. PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.

Must be able to express ideas clearly and concisely; and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS -RESTRICTED- For purposes of HIPAA Compliance there are 4 workforce categories, which define the level of access to PHI that is granted to the incumbent.

This position is classified as PRIMARY PROVIDERS and therefore granted UNRESTRICED access- for the purpose of providing patient care; RESTRICTED access for other uses and disclosures, to be defined according to the purpose for which use or disclosure is intended. Use and disclosure must be in accordance with applicable privacy policies and procedures.