Transitional Housing Ambassador Program Counselor (HLC)

Job Objective

The Transitional Housing Ambassador Program Counselor will develop and implement individualized treatment plans, provide case management services, conduct individual, family, and group counseling, teach educational classes, and ensure the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out.

About the Role

The Transitional Housing Ambassador Program Counselor serves to ensure the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out. This role involves formulating treatment plans, documenting progress, facilitating group sessions, and collaborating with other counselors.

Responsibilities

• Formulates goals and objectives with the client by preparing a written treatment plan
• Prepares the treatment plan in accordance with the Biopsychosocial assessment, ASAM criteria and Initial Treatment Plan
• Reviews goals on an ongoing basis and makes changes as needed for the client
• Documents all progress towards goals and objectives on a progress or group note
• Documents all client contacts in the electronic medical record system, including progress notes, treatment plans, monthly reports, discharge summaries, and discharge plans
• Presents the client’s case with the multi-disciplinary team in initial staffing
• Updates treatment plans, renew assessments, and discharge summary signed by the team
• Staffs any changes in client’s treatment goals and objectives and obtains signatures as appropriate
• Counsels individual clients in accordance with goals developed on the treatment plan using therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, reality therapy, Gestalt therapy and behavioral therapy
• Supports clients’ families in accordance with the goals established in the treatment plan with signed consent
• Facilitates group counseling sessions and follows the assigned group format for each session
• Collaborates with other counselors as needed to ensure continuity of care
• Prepares and facilitates clinical and educational classes as needed
• Documents on a group note the clinical observations and behaviors of the client
• Prepares progress notes for each client and completes the group notes within 24 hours of the initial contact
• All individual and family counseling progress notes are to be turned in at the end of the working day of the scheduled session
• Attends staff meetings, departmental meetings, seminars/conferences, and in-service meetings and training programs as scheduled
• Completes monthly Peer Reviews as assigned by the Lead Counselor or designee
• Maintains client confidentiality of all client information according to Federal, State, and The Salvation Army standards, policies, and procedures
• Maintains certification by meeting certification requirements
• Facilitate client visitation per the Department of Child Services agreement
• Documents client progress into the electronic medical record system and is responsible for updating level of care as needed
• Works assigned overtime hours as directed to ensure coverage of facility operations and approved by the supervisor or manager
• Conducts outside assessments for clients as assigned
• Withdrawal Management within 48 hours of admission, as applicable
• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required in human services or other related field. Master’s degree in human services or other related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years direct services in substance abuse field preferred. Must be willing to work at least 1 evening per week and some weekends. If in recovery, must demonstrate at least two years of sobriety with evidence of emotional and social stability
• Certifications: Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver’s qualification standard; must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment. CADAC or ACIT certification through ICAADA preferred. If not CADAC or ACIT certified, must obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Skills/Abilities: Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele. Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems. Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-2 years direct services in substance abuse field preferred
• Must be willing to work at least 1 evening per week and some weekends
• If in recovery, must demonstrate at least two years of sobriety with evidence of emotional and social stability
• CADAC or ACIT certification through ICAADA preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required in human services or other related field. Master’s degree in human services or other related field preferred
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems
• Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish preferred