Counselor, Senior

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with organizing, developing and providing assistance to help with programs for children, adults, and families to help them cope with problems.
• Counsels clients and individuals in group sessions to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.
• Conducts intakes and orientations for new clients.
• Develops, assesses, and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
• Collaborates with other staff members to perform clinical assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Acts as a client advocate in coordinating required services or resolving emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Responds to emergencies such as suicides, natural disasters, mental health, and substance abuse on weekends and holidays.
• Evaluates clients' physical or mental condition based on review of client information.
• Meets with families, probation officers, police, and other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.
• Refers patients, clients, or family members to community resources as necessary.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling programs and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
• Plans, organizes, and leads structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, and social activities for clients.
• Modifies treatment activities and approaches as needed in response to changes in clients' status.
• Discusses with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.
• Evaluates clients and sets up phone interviews for residential treatment.
• Counsels one-to-one in emergency rooms and detention facilities.
• Gathers information about community mental health needs and resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.
• Plans and conducts programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health and counseling services.
• Conducts training and provides workshops and courses about mental health issues.
• Attends scheduled meetings with staff, various social service entities, and social security to discuss client's needs.
• Maintains confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Complies with the rules of confidentiality and privacy outlined by HIPAA.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of the 12-step program.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health, and social problems of Native Americans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge in records management procedures.
• Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) related rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of counseling and intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of the Diagnostic Criteria DSM-IV-TR.
• Skill in conducting interviews, individual and group therapy sessions with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to assess needs of clients.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to treat both staff and patients with respect.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or closely related field and two years' work experience in a behavioral health related field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Must possess certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.