Mental Health and Crisis Counselor-Intensive Outpatient Program and Help Center - RPT - Evening Shift

HOURLY RANGE: $30.681 - $41.569

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves performing health assessment, intervention and counseling within the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Help Center for patients receiving services through outpatient behavioral health at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation (ECMCC). The incumbent participates with other professional and paraprofessional staff as an active member in the overall care, mental health crisis management, support and treatment of patients. The incumbent provides program support, mental health intervention, and counseling within the IOP and Help Center to support patient mental health stability as required by program needs. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher-ranking licensed behavioral health professional for clinical matters. Depending on location of assignment, work may be performed under the general supervision of a professional nursing supervisor for non-clinical matters. Supervision is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Performs behavioral health assessments and develops treatment plans using established methodologies;

Provides individual crisis intervention and treatment under clinical supervision;

Participates as a primary counselor to individuals, in groups and for families;

Participates as a team member in the treatment planning process;

Participates in the intake and screening of new patients;

Collects and maintains appropriate data from various sources such as professional staff and patient's families to establish an overall approach to the solution of the patient's mental and social problems;

Provides a psychosocial history for patients;

Provides counseling services to help patients adjust to their disabilities and social environment;

Provides support and guidance to the patient's family in order to accomplish treatment goals;

Modifies treatment plans as needed;

Observes and records patients' behavioral and psychiatric status, activities, responses to treatment and overall physical, behavioral and mental health condition and reports to the team;

Plans with the treatment team and with community agencies in order to relate the patient's treatment and rehabilitation program to the social situation prior to discharge;

Coordinates outpatient services with appropriate community resources;

Coordinates the discharge and planning for patients as assigned;

Participates in the development and implementation of the daily program activities;

Participates in the process of transferring patients to other levels of treatment as appropriate;

Refers clients to other governmental and non-governmental agencies;

Participates as a member of the team to provide quality assurance and peer-review of the treatment delivered;

Assists in the orientation of new staff and in staff development programs and in-service training.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of outpatient behavioral health treatment and of the special factors affecting disease and disability; good knowledge of psychiatric concepts and treatment techniques; good knowledge of community resources for individuals with challenging mental health behaviors; working knowledge of interviewing, assessment and counseling techniques for individuals with challenging mental health behaviors; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to develop effective treatment plans; ability to effectively manage crisis situations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency; ability to interpret Federal, State and local laws affecting medical and health programs as they relate to the field of mental health; ability to organize work effectively; ability to work well as a member of a team; ability to prepare reports; initiative; dependability; sound professional judgment; tact; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a Master's Degree* in Social Work, Counseling, or a Master’s Degree considered substantially equivalent to Social Work or Counseling as determined by the New York State Education Department.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a license and current registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as issued by the New York State Education Department at time of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment; or:
• Possession of a Limited Permit to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as issued by the New York State Education Department at time of appointme