Lead Residential Counselor **Newton, KS** at Mirror inc. in Newton, Kansas

Job Description:

The Lead Counselor will work with the site Clinical Supervisor and Area Director to maintain the high ethical standard and professionalism of the clinical staff and treatment environment. The Lead Counselor will deal with the day-to-day clinical operations of the facility including any crisis intervention for the clients and staff. He/she shall operate in accordance with the policies and procedures determined by the Board of Directors and as implemented by his/her supervisor(s) and all parties shall abide by all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Specifically, those related to the Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services, Community Services & Programs Division standards (standards for licensure/certification of alcohol & other drug abuse treatment programs) and other contractual agreements encumbered by the agency to include but not limited to agreements with the Beacon Health Options and the United States Probation Office. The duties of this position may be quite varied and include usual counseling duties (individual and group counseling, treatment plan development, treatment plan evaluations, discharge summaries, curricula development and implementation, administrative tasks, in-service trainings and assessment of counseling staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for a caseload of clients. Perform the counselor duties and responsibilities as outlined on the Outpatient/Residential Counselor job description. Due to length the Outpatient/Residential Counselor position description document it will not be repeated here. (See Counselor job description for details). Counselor productivity standards of a minimum or 25 hours of direct service per week shall be maintained, outpatient only.


2. Responsible for assisting in the development of evidenced based treatment curricula and ensures implementation of same within the designated component(s). 


3. Assist Area Director with staff assignments (re: caseloads), giving consideration for treatment modalities, level of care, and Any subsequent caseload considerations.


4. Assist with coverage due to counselor absence.


5. Manage staff and/or client crisis as needed.


6. Ensure that clients are seen in accordance with guidelines, counselors are maintaining appointments as scheduled, and assist counselors in meeting productivity standards and other job requirements.


7. Assess skills and needs of the clinical staff and educate and train as necessary.  This is inclusive of providing opportunities for learning as appropriate and with in-service training and routine staff meetings.


8. Maintain quality assurance of client records including client assessment, progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries, etc.


9. Monitor compliance of standards and expectations of the agencys funding and licensing authorities.  Work closely with the counseling staff to ensure proper documentation of the written client record.  Establish a system of regular file utilization review and generate reports to superiors as requested regarding this issue.


10. Monitor scheduling and facilitation of the waiting list, incoming, transferring and discharging of clients to maintain program utilization.


11. Cross train and/or monitor with other supervisors to maintain quality assurance within the OP/Residential program.


12. Ensure standardized curriculum is implemented as designed.


13. Monitor client movement within modalities.


14. Will have all changes in policies, procedures, scheduling of clients and staff, etc. be approved by the Area Director prior to implementation.


15. Liaison and marketing activities with local agencies to promote referrals and expand opportunities for the OP/Residential program, as time allows.


16. Help maintain a positive and professional work environment by maintaining a positive attitude with work related duties and staff. This includes serving as a mentor for staff and obtaining/maintaining staff cohesion through open communication and collaboration.


17.  Perform other duties as requested by the Clinical Supervisor and Area Director.

1. Graduate of a four-year accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, substance abuse counseling or closely related field is required. Masters degree matching one of the above stated professions is desirable.


2. Minimum of 2 years paid experience providing substance abuse counseling to the addicted population using evidence-based practices.


3. Minimum of 1 year paid administrative experience, preferably in a treatment setting.


4. Required to have a license as a substance abuse counselor in the State of Kansas (LAC, LMAC or LCAC). Additional licensure in social work or professional counseling is also desired, such as LSCSW, LMSW, LPC or LCPC.


5. Demonstrated ability in the use of the DSM V and the ASAM criteria. Experience and certification in the use of the ASI, SASSI, and KCPC is preferred.


6. Excellent interpersonal skills required including the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


7. Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise the work of others.


8. Ability to handle change and have effective organizational skills.


9. Be able to work in concert with the site Director and other managers.


10. Must be able to pass a background/security check.


11. Employees who have been diagnosed with any type of substance use disorder or behavioral addiction/compulsion must have sustained a minimum of two consecutive years of abstinence from all intoxicating substances and symptoms of their chemical and/or behavioral addiction; and must be in full sustained remission.


12. Must be proficient in computer skills and/or have adequate experience or skills with entering clinical documentation into an Electronic Health Record.


13. This position may also involve bending, walking stairs and lifting up to 40 pounds on occasion.