Mental Health Counselor II (Overnight- Sun-Thurs)

DescriptionThe incumbent is primarily responsible for the provision and coordination of counseling and casework services within the MH Residential Programs. The incumbent is further responsible for educating and assisting individuals with daily living, financial, socialization, mobility and survival skills.The schedule for this opening will be Sunday through Thursday 11p-7a. Overnight shift differential will be added to rate.Responsibilities:

Casework Activities: Assists residents with scheduling and attending medical and dental appointments, assuring that appropriate documentation is maintained and filed, determines the need for and service delivery of emergency care, utilizing appropriate and available methods of payment; and education regarding healthcare and illness, including the benefits of education and medication. Assists consumers with applying for appropriate financial assistance, developing a budget, establishing checking/savings accounts, and preparing tax forms, rebates, etc. Educates and assists consumers with daily living skills such as, household chores, laundry and personal hygiene. Hands on assistance is required for residents who require more than verbal reminders. Assesses, educates, and assists consumers with public transportation, which includes accompanying them on the bus when necessary.

Documentation Activities: Writes thorough, informative and complete shift progress notes. Gives a verbal shift report to on-coming staff. Completes all medication documentation, including pill counts, in a timely manner and provides follow-up as needed. Reports concerns/discrepancies immediately to the Supervisor. Conducts resident weight and blood pressure measurements on a weekly basis and documents results. Immediately reports issues to the Supervisor.

Counseling Activities: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all consumers, striving to exceed their expectations for service, quality and delivery. Meets with assigned consumers at least once weekly to discuss progress; address setbacks and assists consumers with identifying their treatment needs. Assists consumers with identifying and achieving personal goals; communicates goal progress to consumer on a weekly basis and provides feedback when needed. Provides education and guidance to assist consumers with making life choices. Uses crisis intervention techniques to effectively de-escalate consumer behavior and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Develop and lead social and educational on-site groups

Casework Activities: Provides orientation to the local community with location of pharmacies, grocery stores, recreational facilities, hospitals, doctors, and dentists. Educates consumers on emergency procedures such as fire safety, natural disasters, loss of utilities, violence and abuse Teaches and encourages the development of social skills through role-plays and participation in recreational activities. Communicates with treatment team members and keeps members informed of consumers progress. Attends treatment team and all other scheduled meetings as deemed appropriate. Attends all monthly staff meetings. Provides internal and external liaison to appropriate service providers in accordance with the consumers service plan. Completes hourly safety/maintenance checks in all bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas and documents results. Immediately notifies Supervisor of concerns/discrepancies.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree required.

Experience in the career counseling of clients with alcohol/substance abuse problems and/or clients from other disadvantaged populations preferred.

Masters degree preferred.

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification preferred Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)

Driver's License

Act 34

OAPSA

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/VeteranREQNUMBER: 007139551