Counselor

Position Summary:

Person in this position will be responsible for the counseling, group facilitation and case management of clients enrolled in the program. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Deliver individual and group counseling services, case management services, education and community outreach services, and referrals to appropriate services and community resources as necessary.
• Oversee and provide intake and program orientation for the client and family members including, but not limited to, assessment of psychological and social functioning and the development, implementation, and ongoing review of the clients Individual Treatment Plans.
• Participation in facilitating ancillary services, i.e., family support groups, family education groups, continuing care, networking with community agencies, developing and updating referral and resource information, etc.
• Maintenance of individual client treatment files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, including documentation of vocational/educational activities as well as all other pertinent documentation.
• General client supervision including facility operations, planning, and scheduling therapeutic activities.
• Preparation of client progress reports, when necessary.
• Interaction with the criminal justice system and/or referral sources, when necessary.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licenses:

• Alcohol and Drug Registration and actively pursuing Certification, in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is required at time of hire; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently Certified.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited two-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, or related field is preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Two (2) years of experience in providing direct counseling services to persons with alcohol and/or drug problems is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE, MSIL, and EPLS.
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Fresno County Credentialing.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• As mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Sober Living, provide Mental Health Services, Administrative Staff or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a residential/outpatient treatment setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• UA testing of clients is required.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.

WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon
successful completion of a pre-employment drug test,
pre-employment physical and criminal background check.