Position Summary:

The Counselor I delivers individual and group counseling services to program participants in the criminal justice system, specifically those within the Pike County Detention Center. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective;
• Conducts interviews and makes assessments of potential clients, in order to determine need and appropriateness for program participation and referrals;
• Conducts individual counseling sessions with assigned program participants;
• Schedules and facilitates group counseling sessions, ensuring that each program participant assigned to his/her caseload participates in scheduled activities;
• Keeps a working knowledge of the treatment progress and behavior(s) of assigned program participant(s) and those of other staff as needed;
• Analyzes situations and takes necessary actions to provide crisis intervention in a manner that is consistent with WestCares Code of Ethics;
• Participates in the decision to refer program participants for ancillary services, (i.e., family support groups, continuing care groups, etc.);
• Completes documentation required for clinical records and other reports as assigned;
• Refers assigned program participants to other staff members, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist as required;
• Maintains a daily program census, recording all intakes and discharges and sending daily reports to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, Program Director, and Regional Vice President;
• Coordinates intake transports with the Kentucky Department of Corrections and the Pike County Detention Center
• Assists other WestCare staff as needed to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community;
• Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation;
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Certifications/Licensures:

• CADC or similar certification preferred; Preference will be given certified candidates;
• Valid drivers license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited two-year or four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position is required;
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required;
• Graduation from a Doctoral or Masters level program is preferred.

Experience and Competencies:

• Experience working with individuals suffering from mental health and/or substance abuse disorders required;
• Two (2) years of experience in providing direct counseling services to persons with alcohol and/or drug problems is preferred;
• Completion of 80+ hours of training in alcohol and drug abuse counseling within 4 year immediately prior or within 2 years following hire required;
• Excellent communication skills are required;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion required;
• Ability to work well in a team environment required ;
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality required;
• Professional appearance and demeanor required;
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served;
• Intake and assessment experience is highly preferred;
• Bilingual ability is preferred;
• Prior experience using office equipment, including phones, scanners, printers, and fax machines, and web cameras is highly desired;

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting within a federal detention center;
• Some outdoor activities and travel between multiple locations may be required;
• Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.