Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor

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Under supervision of the PRP Supervisor and Coordinators, the rehab counselor is responsible for the coordination, provision, and continuity of services to individuals with a serious and persistent mental illness, to enhance self-management, community living skills and quality of life. Within a strength-based recovery model, the counselor provides support services to assist clients in achieving personal recovery goals and preferred lifestyles. The counselor: a) evaluates for, plans, develops and implements functional and psychosocial interventions; b) assesses and coordinates internal and external services/resources; c) communicates with other care providers and primary supports as required.

Service provision is conducted individually and/or within recovery groups, and may occur at on-site or off-site locations

Principal Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Performs individual formal initial assessments that include a client’s risk/danger to self or others, symptoms and behaviors, drug and alcohol usage, support systems, as well as community, social, and daily living skills to satisfy Medical Assistance, COMAR, and HCU program admission requirements.

2. Communicates with persons significant to the client’s rehabilitation process as permitted by HIPAA. Recognizes the importance and needs of the client’s family and attempts to engage them as appropriate, and with the permission of the client.

3. Uses motivational interviewing and counseling skills; assists the client in developing individual recovery-based rehabilitation goals within the scope of program services.

4. Develops Individual Rehabilitation Plans (IRPs) every six months based upon client-identified long term SMART goals (six monthly), and short term objectives.

5. Identifies a client’s social, environmental and health care needs and helps the client to develop daily living skills on-site and or in relevant community settings. Provides individual counseling and/or group interventions focused on skills- training, development of independence for optimal function, and overcoming barriers to achievement. Assists the client in obtaining and sustaining community-based supports, and accessing resources for financial, domestic, social or health-related needs.

6. Assists the client in creating and sustaining a quarterly schedule of recovery groups based on the client’s goals and preferences. Allows for solely 1:1 on/off-site interventions per client’s needs and preferences.

7. Completes EMR documentation according to organizational/accreditation standards and within time requirements. Obtains documentation from other service providers as needed.

8. Responsible for accurate billing, service tickets and group attendance lists, follows all related policies and procedures, and submits on schedule.

9. Collaborates with other PRP counselors, intake specialist, entitlements specialist, residential rehabilitation (RRP) staff, health home providers and outside agencies in the coordination and delivery of needed services.

10. Attends all required and relevant training/staff meetings to remain informed and current in best practices.

General description of duties

1. Group leadership - Independent or co-led recovery group facilitation following an assigned quarterly schedule. Gathers materials/supplies and develops modules per group objectives including hands-on skills training, activity-based and socially interactive content. Establishes specific quarterly curriculum in collaboration with current group attendees according to group’s general objectives. Utilizes facilitation skills and recovery model principles according to program standards. Avoids solely instructional or ‘teacher-style’ leadership. Is punctual and maintains trauma-informed, safe and productive environment; de-escalates behavioral disturbances. Works as part of counselor team to plan, organize and direct large group activities either on- or off-site. Interacts with clients in a respectful, age-appropriate, engaging, and culturally sensitive manner using recovery-based language and referencing individual client goals. Conveys individual group member’s progress to the client’s caseload manager as needed.

2. Management of assigned caseload – May be conducted on or off-site. Performs individualized services to clients as delineated in SECTION II. Responds to client crisis or health emergency, immediately notifies management and coworkers as required, oversees resolution of the incident per policy and procedure. Assists members in recognizing antecedents to crisis and to develop coping strategies. Monitors for physical health needs, refers to Health Home services where indicated, assists client in med management techniques. Where possible maintains communication with care-team in case of in-patient admission.

3. Vehicle use - in coordination with staff and supervisory team, fleet vehicles may be used by the rehab counselor for off-site visits and client transportation. NOTE - When not transporting a client, the counselor may be required to use own vehicle if there is no available fleet car/van.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services related field or equivalent combinations of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities have been acquired.
• Two years of experience in mental health field is required.
• Current, valid, driver’s license in state of residence is required. No more than two points on the driving record per year permitted.
• Experience with case management, PRP settings, Recovery Model principles and group leadership is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of code of ethics (professional standards), and confidentiality and privacy (HIPAA).
• Knowledge of writing for IRP (behavioral, measurable, time limited). Can accurately assess member strengths, needs and preferences.
• Knowledge and experience in facilitating therapeutic and skills-based groups is preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication and counseling skills (i.e. active listening, building rapport, respecting boundaries, etc.) are necessary in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members, staff and the general public.
• Ability to interact with all individuals in a respectful, dignified, adult and culturally sensitive manner using identified counseling and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the client population.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development throughout life.
• Ability to assess data reflective of the client's requirements relative to his or her population and age specific needs.

Client Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives

• Takes action to correct observed risks to client safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to the appropriate authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures or devices, and communicates to the appropriate authority.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.