Plans, organizes and coordinates individual, group and family counseling. Provides assessments, counseling, referrals and intervention services. Provides an array of outpatient and/or inpatient mental health services to promote individualized client recovery.
The term “client” is used within the context of this specification to identify individuals institutionalized, individuals incarcerated and individuals seeking social services. Employees in this class may supervise other counselors.
Provides orientation, assessment, group, individual and family rehabilitative counseling services to assigned clients. Conducts individual and group counseling sessions. Collects information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests. Fills out and maintains client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes. Prepares detailed descriptive reports on client records. Interviews clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress. Teaches life skills or strategies to clients or their families. Performs crisis interventions with clients. Participates in case management teams to provide the best program for all assigned clients.
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. 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. Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
A bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.