Mental Health Counselor II - Multiple Locations

The Mental Health Counselor II is an ideal position for a new Bachelor's Degree person interested in working with individuals with chronic mental illness, who has little or no experience in the behavioral health field. The hire for this role will have the opportunity to learn about the medications and varieties of treatment modalities that contribute to one's recovery and quality of life. They will also be exposed to all the medical and psychiatric issues related to or as a result of long-term psychotropic medication and other issues related to aging process.

Driving is a requirement and will be frequent (for doctor appointments, outings, shopping, etc.). Most driving will occur during the 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. shift, some 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. driving, and rare overnight driving.

Sign on Bonus Details: $3,500 with a 2-year work commitment!

Mon Yough Community Services is seeking to fill various shifts at multiple locations including:

• Versailles

• 705 Fifth Avenue

• Long Run Road

• 624 Lysle

Schedules:

• Mental Health Counselor II's are expected to work nontraditional schedules with daylight, evening, and overnight shifts. For example, some may work Monday through Friday, but others may work Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday.

• There are times when scheduled staff will need to cover shifts from their home location to another site for regulatory staffing requirements.

• Will be required to work weekends and holidays.

• Common shifts:

o 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

o 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

o 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Hours and travel are subject to change based on business needs

The Mental Health Counselor II is primarily responsible for providing and coordinating counseling and casework services within the MH Residential Programs. They are also responsible for educating and assisting individuals with daily living, financial, socialization, mobility, and survival skills.

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, promptly and provides follow-up as needed. Reports concerns/discrepancies immediately to the Supervisor. Conducts resident weight and blood pressure measurements weekly 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 help consumers identify their treatment needs. Assists consumers with identifying and achieving personal goals; communicates goal progress to consumers weekly 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.

• ADL Activities: Provides orientation to the local community with the 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 the consumer's progress. Attends treatment team and all other scheduled meetings as deemed appropriate. Attends all monthly staff meetings. Provides internal and external liaisons to appropriate service providers per 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.

• Bachelor's degree required.

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