HUMAN SERVICES CLINICAL COUNSELOR - 40000715

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

**This posting is subject to close without prior notification.**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The main purpose of this position is to conduct comprehensive clinical assessments to identify substance use and behavioral health needs and determine appropriate level of care. Facilitate group and individual counseling utilizing the matrix model to assist clients with developing their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills to achieve abstinence from substance use, criminal behavior and initiate a long-term of recovery and pro- social life. 

This position works under general supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Coordinate and monitor the operation of Mental Health Court.
• Review referrals for appropriateness of services.
• Screen clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Use standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
• Complete comprehensive clinical assessment. Use discretion and judgment to determine mental health/substance use diagnoses.
• Assist clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills to achieve abstinence from substance use, criminal behavior and/or stabilization from mental health symptoms by facilitating group and individual counseling sessions utilizing the Matrix Model based on goals identified by the client.
• Conduct psycho-educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
• Develop an individualized treatment plan with clients to identify strengths, goals, medical needs, needs for home- and community-based services, and desired outcomes.
• Provide consultation to staff/clients and co-located programs for emergency services that may require crisis intervention and/or evaluation.
• Collaborate with appropriate officers of the Court, Jail Mental Health, HEART, and other JSD services to coordinate services and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Provide client education and make referrals to community providers and resources.
• Develop crisis intervention plans and recovery plans to prevent crisis and relapse from occurring.
• Collaborate with community-based agencies to assist with referrals, educating and monitoring enhanced services for clients in the community.
• Perform case management functions including record-keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
• Serve as a member of the facility’s multidisciplinary team and provide insight into client behavior, recommend treatment, and follow-up.
• Develop discharge plans to initiate a long term of recovery and prosocial life.
• Work exclusively with justice involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
• Knowledge of psycho-pharmacology and drug interactions.
• Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
• Skilled in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.
• Thorough knowledge of assessment and counseling/therapy principles and their practical application to complex individual and family work, groupwork crisis intervention, and community issues.
• Considerable knowledge of population being served, available resources, governmental and private organizations, resources in the community, and the laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Master's degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of counseling/therapy experience in areas such as rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, child life program, or related human services field that provides the experience in techniques of counseling and therapeutic assessments, one of which must have been supervised; or, bachelor's degree in a human service field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related human service counseling or therapy experience which provides the above experience, one of which must have been supervised; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate (LCAS-A), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with substance abuse work experience of two (2) years will be considered.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer