Primary Counselor

**Position: Primary Counselor (LMSW, LMHC, LMFT, or higher) - Certified Community Behavioral Health Center**

The Primary Counselor for the Richmond Hill Certified Community Behavioral Health Center is responsible for the delivery of direct clinical services in an integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment setting. The Primary Counselor serves as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. All hires must function within all OASAS 822, OMH, SAMHSA, Medicaid and State/County regulations and guidance for outpatient substance use disorder treatment.

**_ Job Scope_**
- Facilitate various formats (i.e., assessment/intake, individuals, groups, specialty services) on time and in a professional, ethical, and caring manner.
- Manage all aspects of a mental health and/or substance use caseload from date of entry to date of discharge with special attention to appropriate levels of care and appropriate clinical interventions.
- Provide backup coverage in the event of other clinical staff absences.
- Demonstrate initiative in task identification and completion; use time efficiently and work with the Site Director and Program Coordinator to effectively handle volume of work.
- Address program issues with the Program Coordinator, which pertain to strategic objectives, annual plan and overall delivery of services. Participate in and support agency quality improvement programs; support actions to improve care and services based on outcome data.
- Identify, plan, and implement appropriate activities under the director of the Program Coordinator.
- Complete all documentation (i.e., progress notes, group notes, treatment plans, utilization reviews, progress reports to referents, thresholds, active caseload lists, monthly discharge summary) in a timely manner. Maintain easy to use system of filing, clinical and administrative record keeping and other documentation. Inform Site Director and/or Program Coordinator of any problems or anticipated inability to meet deadline.
- Actively participate in all meetings (i.e., staff meetings, case conference, team meetings and individual supervision) by being prepared utilizing problem-solving skills and providing appropriate feedback to team members.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with referents and other stakeholders.
- Maintain communication and teamwork with staff and case managers to integrate and enhance clinical services.
- Exercise due diligence in the delivery of quality care in line with the agency Medicaid Compliance Plan and systems of accountability.
- Insure communication through the compliance officer and/or the supervisory structure of any violation of non-compliance with the agency’s Medicaid compliance plan and personnel policy and procedure.
- May include other tasks as requested by supervisor.

**Qualifications**
- Advanced degree required; LCSW, LMHC or higher preferred.
- NYS Limited Permits welcomed.
- Bilingual a plus
- Experience with substance abuse disorders.
- Experience with mental health disorders.
- Commitment to providing quality services and outcome driven performance measures.
- Excellent organizational management skills with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance clinicians, set and achieve program objectives.
- Strong networking and public relations skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, populations, and cultures.
- Action-oriented, adaptable, and innovative approach to program planning.
- Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

**Position Status**

This is a full-time exempt position. Exempt employees are defined as employees who, based on duties performed and manner of compensation, shall be exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime provisions. Exempt employees are salaried and expected to work any hours above and beyond their regular schedule necessary to ensure completion of all tasks in a timely manner.

**Work Environment**

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Must have the ability to travel among assigned sites as needed. There may be long periods of standing, sitting, and computer usage.