Behavioral Health Counselor (BHC)
Direct Service
Hourly salary: $19.50 – $21.00 per hour
Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
Qualifications:
1) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field.
2) Training in the treatment of behavioral health disorders, human growth and development, evaluations, assessments, treatment planning, basic counseling and behavior management interventions, case management, clinical record documentation, psychopharmacology, abuse regulations, and recipient rights.
3) Work under the supervision of a master’s level practitioner.
Supervised by: Psychosocial Coordinator
Responsibilities and duties:
1) Responsible for providing routine care to clients, which includes but are not limited to: Observing clients for changes in behavior and participation levels; Assisting them in their daily living activities; Providing support and encouragement; And acting as an appropriate role model.
2) Responsible for teaching and developing adult living as well as other skills necessary to reintegrate clients into the community. Conducts Independent Living and Social Skills Groups. Assists clients in developing skills for personal care, hygiene, and daily living e.g. housekeeping, cooking and budgeting.
3) Will teach clients symptoms management skills and coping skills to stabilize symptoms related to behavioral health disorders in order to reduce or eliminate the need for more intensive levels of care. These services encompass community-based services designed to assist the recipient in strengthening or regaining interpersonal skills.
4) Observes clients and reports changes in client’s behavior and progress.
5) Responsible for client’s documentation which includes daily progress notes, treatment plans, quarterly review, FARS, daily living scale, bio-psychosocial evaluation, updated assessments as needed, and discharge plan. Participates in critical care and treatment team meetings.
6) Participates in ongoing training and development classes, courses, meetings, activities and requirements necessary to maintain employment. Applies learned knowledge, techniques, processes, procedures, guidelines, and policies to reduce risk.
7) Organizes outings and activities that will bring clients into greater contact with the community. Responsible for supervising chores and socialization activities.
8) Assists clients with self-medication and reports discrepancies to Residential Coordinator and the treatment team. Keeps accurate records in the Electronic Medication Administration Records (EMAR).
9) Shall have basic knowledge of the health needs and problems of clients and report to appropriate department. Shall report client’s illness and significant physician dysfunctions in a timely manner to the Case Manager on call or to the Residential Coordinator and if urgent enough call 911.
10) De-escalates hostile situations and conflicts through verbal redirection and applied procedures. Also reports incidents to the supervisor, medical personnel, or law enforcement when necessary. Must have the ability to quickly respond to emergencies. Ensure that clients remain safe, without the introduction of weapons, alcohol, illegal substances or contraband. Maintains clients confidentiality and dignity with regard to their information.
11) Follows new policies or procedures related to Covid, or other illnesses, such as cleaning and disinfecting, during work meetings and travel. Protective measures such as wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing hands, getting tested if symptoms arise, traveling or being exposed to large gatherings, isolating if symptoms arise, reporting symptoms, practicing social distancing and getting vaccinated.
12) Participates in Passageway’s Trauma Informed Care, Integrated Healthcare and Cultural and Linguistic Competency initiatives as required. This may include, but is not limited to, participation in trainings, surveys, data recording and gathering as needed, and implementation of new therapeutic approaches if appropriate.
13) Responsibilities include but are not limited to the above stated.