Job Title : Counselor III

Department : Behavioral Health

Reports to : Mental Health Clinical Manager, Substance Use Clinical Manager –or– School Services Manager

Purpose of Position : In keeping with the Mission/Vision/Values of ComWell, a Counselor III provides services to individuals seeking treatment with a behavioral health diagnosis. This position works with individuals to assess needs and identify treatment goals and outcomes achievable through counseling and advocacy services. All services should be trauma informed and reflect person and family centered principles of recovery through coordination of care with other involved service providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

1. ComWell expects all staff to have a strong desire to provide an excellent customer experience; to comply with the rules and regulations of those organizations to which we are accountable; to have high ethical and professional standards of conduct; must possess the flexibility to work with clients at various stages in their personal growth; and to have an attitude of wanting to continuously improve their own performance as well as that of ComWell. This also includes consistently returning phone calls and e-mails within 24 hours and updating voicemail/out of office e-mail, as well as consistently using pleasant tone and having a helpful attitude.

2. Shows consideration for others, works cooperatively with any coworker; provides constructive feedback without undue criticism of others; displays appreciation of differences in approaches, personalities, and viewpoints of others. Works professionally, respectfully, positively and cooperatively within a team-based framework to promote ComWell’s commitment to client personal growth.

3. Supports the strategic goals and mission/vision/values of ComWell at all times when interacting with clients, co-workers and professionals from other organizations and presents a positive and professional demeanor.

4. Treats all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or other legally protected status.

5. Completes job requirements with independent action and resourcefulness. Organizes time, effort, and use of resources to achieve desired outcomes. Takes initiative to prevent and resolve problems and offers recommendations for improving services and transforming ComWell into an organization that embraces excellent customer experience.

6. Have a thorough understanding on the impact of trauma on a person’s life. Understand the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients and families and be competent in delivering trauma informed interventions that lessen the symptoms associated with trauma while improving the quality of life for clients.

7. Have an awareness of and commitment to self-care practices that prevent or lessen the impact of secondary traumatization with staff and self.

8. Participate in and recognize role in Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) initiatives. Have general awareness on the importance of quality improvement throughout the organization. Identify opportunities for improvement through data, observation of operations or consultation with staff, residents, families or other stakeholders. Identification and input into opportunities for improvement is strongly encouraged.

9. Conduct intake, screening and assessment activities that are person and family centered, recovery focused and trauma informed to determine the nature and extent of problem areas of individuals who are requesting services. This may include DUI evaluations as assigned and appropriate.

10. Ensure quality service delivery to all clients based on the rules governing the program and service being offered. Mental Health Services follows Rule 140, Substance Use Services are guided by Rule 2060 and both services must meet Council on Accreditation (COA) standards. All services delivered should also meet other rules, regulations, laws and ethical codes related to operations.

11. Link individuals to programs and services inside and outside the organization based on assessed need. Make follow-up contacts with referral organizations and service providers, and to arrange follow-up services.

12. Assist clients with the development of individualized treatment plans that are client centered and recovery focused.

13. Provide individual, couple, family and group counseling services to clients using Evidenced Based Programs that are client centered, recovery focused and trauma informed.

14. Serve as a resource to all behavioral health staff with regard to clinical decisions and to provide treatment recommendations and strategies in relation to individual areas of knowledge and expertise.

15. Provide discharge planning and follow-up referrals.

16. Complete all required documentation in accordance with state and agency standards. This includes timely discharge of clients who are no longer engaged in services and quarterly file reviews on all clients who have been engaged in services for at least 90 days.

17. Provide client care in accordance with Hours of Care requirements based on individual standards.

18. Responsible for assisting in the collection of consumer fees from the assigned client consistent with ComWell policy and procedures: Accurate and timely collection of fees consistent with ComWell policy. This includes ensuring that the clients fully understand ComWell’s fee policies.

19. Actively participate in clinical staff meetings.

20. Responsible for advocating new services or adjustments in the design of current specialized services to better meet the needs of individual clients or certain groups of clients. Assist in the development of new agency programs and service delivery systems as required or requested.

21. To participate in in-service training and community presentations as assigned to provide education and consultation for community organizations.

22. Complete all requirements to maintain current eligible status in the CAQH database. Completion of all paperwork requested by the Insurance Reimbursement Specialist within 48 hours to maintain status as a provider for insurance carriers.

23. Responsible for providing clinical supervision to non-licensed staff in the absence of the clinical managers. This includes, but is not limited to: case staffing, clinical review or assessments and treatment plans including signature, follow up with non-licensed staff on previously staffed cases.

24. Perform related or other duties as assigned by supervisor.

25. Maintain compliance with all ComWell policies and procedures.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements :
1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
2. Driver’s license and proof of valid automobile insurance.
3. Must meet expectations required by CANTS check, criminal record and Health Care Workers Background Check
4. Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
5. Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
6. Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
7. Master’s Degree in a Social Service Program.
8. Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Physical Requirements :
1. Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
2. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Benefits :