Recovery Counselor (ACT Willow)

Responsibilities

• Independently assess risk and client’s need for higher level of care; i.e. hospital, detox program, emergency room, etc.
• Determine associated risk and coordinate support from colleagues/Supervisors to manage risk; e.g. provide two-person visits to clients
• Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits.
• Implement assertive engagement strategies with potential clients to bring them into services and assist with linkage to needed treatment.
• Complete intake process for clients being opened to the team from various referral sources including Illinois Department of Corrections, shelters, and hospitals.
• Conduct mental health assessments to determine service needs, appropriateness of service, and level of care needed.
• Document all client encounters in tracking systems. Ensure completion of authorization for services.
• Communicate with managed care organizations to retrieve authorizations for client services.
• Congratulate the establishment of an individual recovery plan with the client, client’s support system, and other care providers.
• Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services as indicated.
• Aid clients in identifying signs and symptoms of decompensation. Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced.
• Aid clients in learning and improving independent living skills; i.e. personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, nutrition, and shopping for food and personal items.
• Inform and assist clients with applying for entitlements; i.e. Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP.
• Accompany clients to important appointments in the community and provide support with issues related to housing, substance use, budgeting, social support, and medication.
• Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate with a focus on understanding the criminal justice system and citywide housing opportunities.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with community partners involved in client’s care and within the team model for a multi-disciplinary approach to client care.
• Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• One of the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field
• Bachelor's degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting
• Licensed Practical Nurse under the Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65]
• Certificate of Psychiatric Rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program, a high school diploma/GED, and two years’ experience of experience in a mental health setting
• CRSS certification through IAODAPCA
• Familial Partnership Professional certificate from and in good standing with IAODAPCA
• Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed under the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act [225 ILCS 75] with one-year experience in a mental health setting
• High school diploma or GED and five years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance
• Experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses preferred
• Experience in community-based services preferred
• IM+CANS certification preferred and may be required to obtain IM+CANS certification within 30 days of hire