Senior Mental Health Counselor (#SL7 )

$47.51-$60.04 hourly / $8,234.91-$10,406.73 monthly / $98,820.80-$124,883.20 yearly

• Assigns, directs, and evaluates the work of subordinate mental health counselors providing care, counseling, and rehabilitation services within a specialized treatment program;
• Trains new personnel, contributes to performance evaluations, and supports staff development;
• Consults with supervisors and coordinates with staff, teachers, clinicians, probation officers, and others regarding client behavior and needs;
• Provides individual and group counseling to support positive behavior and social skill development;
• Assists in de-escalating potentially violent situations;
• Develops, schedules, and coordinates work, treatment, and recreational activities for individuals and groups;
• Ensures adherence to program policies, procedures, and routines;
• Oversees maintenance of logs, reports, and progress notes, including monitoring behavioral effects of medication;
• Prepares clinical reports and maintains required records;
• Interprets program rules and applies appropriate consequences; assists in determining client eligibility and continuation in specialized programs;
• Collaborates with community groups and volunteers to develop and coordinate programs for youth;
• Oversees daily activities and supports development of life skills;
• Assists clients with prescribed medication;
• Leads off-site therapeutic and recreational activities;
• Assists with client intake and explains program goals and procedures;
• Participates in treatment plan reviews and multidisciplinary clinical meetings with clients and families;
• Maintains discipline and promotes appropriate behavior among youth;
• Addresses noncompliance and behavioral issues appropriately;
• Monitors for potential conflicts and takes proactive measures to ensure safety;
• Communicates with parents, probation officers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders as needed;
• Facilitates family and visitor interactions;
• Conducts program meetings and in-service training;
• Attends staff, program, and planning meetings;
• Transports clients for therapeutic outings, medical appointments, and community-based services;
• May provide backup support for other classifications and supervise volunteers and interns.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of:

• Techniques of group and individual counseling.
• Basic interviewing principles and techniques.
• Methods of behavior management and crisis intervention.
• Safety requirements associated with treatment programs.
• Factors that influence human behavior and constructive ways of coping.
• Modern methods and techniques used in treatment programs for emotionally disturbed adolescents.
• Hygiene, first aid and CPR.

Some knowledge of:

• Community based drug, alcohol, counseling and gang intervention programs.
• Basic elements of supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Serve as supervisor to organize, plan, assign, monitor, train and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel.
• Schedule and oversee the implementation of recreation and work programs on an individualized or group basis for youths.
• Conduct individual and group counseling for adolescents with behavioral or emotional problems.
• Recognize and respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Understand and respond constructively to client behavior problems and gain their cooperation.
• Supervise clients in a group setting.
• Communicate with community groups regarding their potential for assistance to clients.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time for up to 12 hours.
• Lift items weighing up to 35 pounds from floor level and 50 pounds from 12 inches above floor level, such as assisting in lifting a minor detainee, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

One year of experience performing duties comparable to a Mental Health Counselor II in Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License/Certificate Requirement: Possession of a valid California class C driver license. Possession of a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issues by the American Red Cross.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: possibility of bodily injury; infections which may cause chronic disease or death; combative minor detainees; offensive odors; high noise levels; insect bites; dust and pollens.

EST: 2/97 REV: Analyst: PT