Social Service Counselor 1

One of ten districts across Louisiana MHSD was created by the state legislature in 2003 to oversee the delivery of publicly funded community-based mental health addictive disorders and developmental disabilities services to our area. MHSD serves adults children and families of Orleans Plaquemines and St. Bernard particular we serve residents who are uninsured or Medicaid eligible/covered individuals suffering from mental illness individuals suffering from addiction and individuals who have developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

Our Commitment:We are committed to providing inclusive respectful and empowering services. All persons served will be treated with dignity and without discrimination regardless of their disabilities or circumstances.

Were currently hiring a passionate and dedicated Social Service Counselor 1 to join our teamapply today and make a meaningful impact in your community!

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Social Service Counselor (Peer Specialist) to join our Advocacy Division. This role plays a vital part in supporting individuals with behavioral health disabilities by helping them access essential community-based resources and services. The Peer Specialist will be instrumental in improving client outcomes through effective care coordination peer support and resource navigation.

AN IDEAL CANIDATE SHOULD POSESS THE FOLLLOWING COMPETENCIES:

Communicating Effectively: The ability to relay information correctly and appropriately to connect people and ideas.
Driving Results:The ability to identify important goals and work to achieve them.
Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to form an opinion objectively and decisively based on relevant information and in accordance with established standards.
Thinking Critically: The ability to objectively question analyze interpret and evaluate information to form a conclusion.
Demonstrating Accountability: The ability to accept ownership for your actions behaviors performance and decisions.
Demonstrating Persistence: The ability to achieve goals by overcoming adversity.
Demonstrating Self-Awareness:The ability to manage your personality behavior skills and emotions.
Leading Change:The ability to initiate manage influence and evaluate change.

Three years of social services experience; OR

Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR

A bachelors degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) or its successor.

The official job specifications for this role as defined by the State Civil Service can be foundhere.

Job Duties:

• Coordinate care and provide support services for individuals with behavioral health and/or addiction disorders.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate community-based resources and referrals within established service parameters.
• Collaborate with agency staff clients behavioral health professionals and community partners to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
• Research and identify the most suitable resources based on the specific needs of each client.
• Deliver identified resources and referrals directly to persons served.
• Oversee peer support services as assigned by the Division Director.
• Maintain respectful empathetic and non-discriminatory interactions with all persons served.

An ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health and/or addiction disorders (lived experience preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage and build trust with diverse populations.
• Excellent research and analytical skills to identify and evaluate appropriate resources.
• Customer service-oriented with a strong commitment to advocacy and empowerment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Prior experience in peer support or similar counseling roles.
• Knowledge of local community resources and behavioral health services.
• Certification or training as a Peer Support Specialist is a plus.

Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: Probational Promotional Detail to Special Duty or Job Appointment.

Compensation:Salary depends on qualifications. See job specifications for the expected pay range.

New Hire Information: Required to complete employment eligibility verification through E-Verify.

E-Verify is a federal program that confirms an employees eligibility to work in the United States.

For more information please contact the Department of Homeland Security at 1- or visit To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy click on the Apply link above and complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

* Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e. relevant detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Tanisha Alexander
Metropolitan Human Services District
3100 General De Gaulle Dr. New Orleans LA 70114

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities.