Prevention Counselor

Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.: Bridging Access to Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral health care organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

In 2012, Brooklyn Aids Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully made the transition from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service community-based healthcare organization. Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn prioritizing serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to under-served racial and ethnic minority communities in Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

JOB SUMMARY: The Prevention Counselor will deliver individual counseling sessions based on Evidence Based Practice including Seeking Safety intervention and Motivational Interviewing. The Prevention Counselor must counsel with an emphasis on HIV Prevention and provide support to those who are HIV+. Collaborate with the Prevention and Education team to assist in recruiting and engaging the population of focus and conduct case conferencing. Encourage and make referrals to address clients' social determinants of health. Complete assessments and action plans. Experience working with a mandated population such as ACS and court mandated individuals. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse and underserved populations in Brooklyn, and will provide services through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction lens.

EDUCATION AND WORK QUALIFIATIONS:

• MINIMUM: Bachelor's Degree in a Human Service-related field, with 2-year work experience conducting individual counseling addressing mental health and substance use
• MINIMUM: Two (2) years of experience providing evidence-based Seeking Safety intervention in group or individual modality.
• Experience providing services to marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, communities of color, sex workers, people who use drugs, and undocumented individuals.
• Strong understanding of sexual health, HIV/STIs, and harm reduction principles.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language spoken in Brooklyn communities is a plus.

DUTIES AND RESPONISBILITES:

Clinical Counseling & Direct Client Services

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions focused on addiction recovery and mental health support.
• Provide individual counseling sessions (IDI) to mandated individuals referred from Alternatives to Violence and Parenting Journey programs using the Seeking Safety evidence-based treatment model
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients and facilitate their recovery process.
• Create an individualized client-centered action plan.
• Educate clients about available resources, treatment options, and coping strategies.
• Provide referrals and referral follow-up/monitoring.
• Conduct assessments and collect data to inform treatment plans tailored to each client's needs.
• Establish clear professional boundaries with clients.

Group Facilitation & Community Engagement

• Facilitate workshops or presentations on public health topics as needed.
• Serve as backup facilitator for Alternatives to Violence (ATV) and Parenting Journey (PJ) group sessions.
• Participate in wellness outreach events and activities.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Case Management

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
• Conduct case conferences.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document services in accordance with the program requirements and timelines.

Professional Development & Supervision

• Attend trainings and conferences as it relates to your program and target audience.
• Attend weekly clinical supervision.

Other:

• Other duties assigned are based on program needs.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Public speaking experience is beneficial for conducting educational sessions.
• Ability to engage clients through motivational interviewing techniques.
• Experience in addiction counseling or related fields is highly preferred.
• Capable of clear, compassionate verbal and written communication, with an ability to engage a wide range of individuals.
• Uses empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental language to create safe and empowering interactions for all clients.
• Demonstrates respect for clients lived experiences, identities, and cultural practices.
• Able to respond to evolving community needs, shift priorities, and work evenings/weekends when necessary.
• Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, treatment and substance abuse.

Responsibilities

• Conduct motivational interviewing sessions to assess clients' needs and develop personalized prevention plans.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities.
• Educate clients and their families on public health issues, nutrition, and addiction counseling strategies.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs.
• Deliver presentations and workshops to raise awareness about health and wellness initiatives.

Pay: $28.57 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Have you facilitated group interventions with mandated populations?
• Have you been trained in EBI Seeking Safety Intervention and delivered the intervention to a targeted population?
• 1 year HIV/Aids Care (required)
• 2 years Individual / group counseling experience (required)
• 1-year Electronic Health Record systems experience (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Individual / group counseling: 2 years (Required)
• EBI Seeking Safety: 2 years (Required)
• HIV/AIDS care: 1 year (Required)
• EHR systems: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• read, write, and comprehend Spanish and English (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person