Counselor (53209)

Position Summary:

The Counselor utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat residents at WestCare Kentucky Lookout Center for Health Families. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

- Utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective;

- Conducts interviews and makes assessments of potential clients, in order to determine need and appropriateness for program participation and referrals;

- Conducts individual counseling sessions with assigned program participants;

- Schedules and facilitates group counseling sessions, ensuring that each program participant assigned to his/her caseload participates in scheduled activities;

- Keeps a working knowledge of the treatment progress and behavior(s) of assigned program participant(s) and those of other staff as needed;

- Analyzes situations and takes necessary actions to provide crisis intervention in a manner that is consistent with WestCares Code of Ethics;

- Participates in the decision to refer program participants for ancillary services, (i.e., family support groups, continuing care groups, etc.);

- Completes documentation required for clinical records and other reports as assigned;

- Refers assigned program participants to other staff members, such as a case manager, as required;

- Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community;

- Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;

- Performs any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Certifications/Licensures:

- CADC or similar certification preferred; Preference will be given certified candidates;

- Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

- Graduation from an accredited two-year or four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is required;

- High School Diploma or equivalent is required;

- Graduation from a Doctoral or Masters level program is preferred.

Experience and Competencies:

- Experience working with individuals suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders required;

- Two (2) years of experience in providing direct counseling services to persons with alcohol and/or drug problems is highly preferred;

- Excellent communication skills are required;

- Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion required;

- Ability to work well in a team environment required ;

- Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality required;

- Professional appearance and demeanor required;

- Intake and assessment experience is highly preferred;

- Bilingual ability is preferred;

- Prior experience using office equipment, including phones, scanners, printers, and fax machines, and web cameras is highly desired;

Working Conditions:

- Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting;

- Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;

- Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.