Mental Health Counselor II (Mckeesport, PA)

Mental Health Counselor II

Essential Functions Must provide quality services at all times to residents regardless of medical psychiatric behavioral issues (i.e. CPR first aid behavioral programming and goal plans). Must be cooperative and remain flexible in work schedule adjustments to meet the needs of program operations for all 365 days in the year i.e. (holidays resident illness appointments inclement weather) May be requested to work at other sites to ensure that consumer and program needs are met. An orientation binder will be available at each site. Employees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this information and completing the sign-off sheet. Must be able to stay awake throughout your shift as well as not leave residents unattended until a staff person arrives to relieve you of duty. Must be able to work independently under stress and change while performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Can not impose personal beliefs and practice. Must remain calm cooperative and supportive while on duty especially in emergency and unsettling circumstances. Specific Responsibilities Counseling Activities Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all MYCS consumers striving to exceed their expectations for service quality and delivery. Meets with assigned consumers at least once weekly to discuss progress address set backs 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 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. 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 consumer s 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 consumer s service plan. Completes hourly safety maintenance checks in all bedrooms bathrooms and common areas and documents results. Immediately notifies Supervisor of concerns discrepancies. 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. Other related duties and responsibilities as applied. Required Qualifications Bachelor s degree in Social Human Science field with six (6) months related experience preferred will consider combination of education and experience. Driving is an essential job responsibility therefore must possess a valid PA driver s license and be accepted by the agency s vehicle insurance as a valid driver. Must possess current Act 33 34 clearances. Please apply online at www.mycs.org