Under limited supervision conducts intakes and individual, group and family therapy. Provides an array of outpatient mental health services to promote individualized patient recovery.
The term “client” is used within the context of this specification to identify individuals institutionalized, individuals incarcerated and individuals seeking social services.
Collects information about clients through interviews or observation. Fills out and maintains client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes. Provides counseling, individually or in group sessions, to clients experiencing temporary difficulties in handling family, vocational, social or other life crises. Maintains confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment. Plans or conducts programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counseling services. Guides clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems. Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving toward defined objectives. Plans, organizes, or leads structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients. Interviews clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress. Teaches life skills or strategies to clients or their families. Intervenes in crisis situations to assist clients.
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and not interrupt at inappropriate times. Ability to actively look for ways to help people. Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, resolve grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiate with others. Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Ability to communicate effectively. Knowledge of modern casework and counseling techniques. Ability to develop and assess resources within the community to assist the client and family members to become self-sufficient and the family to remain intact.
A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the required experience.