Counselor

Position Summary:

The Counselor utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat residents of WestCares Kentuckys Ashcamp facility. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective;
• Conducts interviews and makes assessments of potential clients, in order to determine need and appropriateness for program participation and referrals;
• Conducts individual counseling sessions with assigned program participants;
• Schedules and facilitates group counseling sessions, ensuring that each program participant assigned to his/her caseload participates in scheduled activities;
• Keeps a working knowledge of the treatment progress and behavior(s) of assigned program participant(s) and those of other staff as needed;
• Analyzes situations and takes necessary actions to provide crisis intervention in a manner that is consistent with WestCares Code of Ethics;
• Participates in the decision to refer program participants for ancillary services, (i.e., family support groups, continuing care groups, etc.);
• Completes documentation required for clinical records and other reports as assigned;
• Refers assigned program participants to other staff members, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist as required;
• Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

• CADC or similar certification preferred; Preference will be given certified candidates;
• Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited two-year or four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is required;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required;
• Graduation from a Doctoral or Masters level program is preferred.

Experience and Competencies:

• Experience working with individuals suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders required;
• Two (2) years of experience in providing direct counseling services to persons with alcohol and/or drug problems is highly preferred;
• Excellent communication skills are required;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion required;
• Ability to work well in a team environment required ;
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served;
• Intake and assessment experience is highly preferred;
• Bilingual ability is preferred;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system is preferred;
• Prior experience using office equipment, including phones, scanners, printers, and fax machines, and web cameras is highly desired;

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or residential treatment setting;
• Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.