OSAR Counselor

Summary: Provides services that specifically address mental health and substance use including screening assessment education brief intervention individual and group counseling family counseling and/or crisis intervention to clients identified with co-occurring disorders.

The candidate will also be responsible for outreach client engagement and appropriate referrals to community resources. Candidate will work closely with community partners (e.g. Harris Center of Mental Health and IDD Harris County Psychiatric Center Department of Family Protective Services Harris County Juvenile Justice Services Felony Mental Health Court VA Medical Center Substance Use Disorder Treatment facilities etc.) to provide input to the development of client service plans and team decisions.

Hours: Approximately 37.5 hours. Flexible with occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Location: Jackson Hill including community-based services as needed.

Responsibilities:

Clinical

Provide counseling/therapeutic services including assessment diagnosis and treatment (individual family and group counseling) for clients experiencing social/behavioral/mental health issues

Conduct screening assessment brief intervention and referrals to appropriate Council or outside services

Provide follow-up counseling and case management of client referrals

Assist with any crisis intervention issues that may arise within The Council and the community as assigned

Available to assist with clients who present to The Council for help regardless of the reason

Provide assistance and guidance with difficult client situations during after-hours

Provide consultation and referrals for adult s and child family members as needed and when appropriate

Provide mental health referrals and/or interim services as appropriate

Actively participate in clinical case staffing

Assist with other program and department issues that may arise as requested.

Administrative

Meet productivity requirements established by supervisor and agency

Enter documentation client and service data into CMBHS and other designated health record systems in a timely manner

Submit all required information to the data coordinator as instructed

Respond to subpoenas received from civil court and provide court testimony as required

Maintain positive relationships and a consistent level of professionalism with outside agencies and referral sources

Act as an ambassador for The Council at all times

Communicate and consult with co-workers/team and outside agencies as needed

Work with program leadership to ensure program compliance with all HHSC guidelines and procedures

Attend meetings trainings and workshops at The Council and outside locations as requested

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Credentials/Education

LCDC Licensure required; MSW or LPC preferred

Experience/Skill

Experience with substance use evaluation counseling (individual group and family) referral crisis intervention and case management

Must have training and experience with motivational interviewing stages of change relapse prevention strength-based trauma-informed and culturally competent perspectives

Ability to work with high need clients including those with co-occurring disorders complex trauma history etc.

Strong client engagement skills

Clear understanding of DSM V Diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders and familiarity with mental health disorders

Excellent organization skills and very detail-oriented

Highly flexible and able to adapt to changing job requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Able to work independently and within a team

Experience with the following industries preferred: Department of Family Protective Services Criminal Justice Mental Health Physical Health

Above average computer skills: Microsoft Office (Excel Outlook and Word); CMBHS proficiency preferred

Personal/reliable transportation