NCSH Residential - Group Counselor

Job Overview

This is a union position.
 

North County Serenity House, A Program of HealthRIGHT 360 was founded in 1966 to provide substance use disorder services in the community. North County Serenity House provides a gender-responsive and trauma-informed environment, using evidence-based and best practices that recognize and account for the role that trauma frequently plays in substance use and criminal histories of women. For clients with co-occurring mental illness, we provide integrated substance use and mental health services which treat both conditions as primary. Our residential facility serves up to 120 women (with capacity for up to 20 children under 5 years of age) seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

The Group Counselor is responsible for providing at minimum, 15 weekly, evidence-based, gender specific, substance abuse related groups in a structured, safe and culturally sensitive setting. In conjunction with client and the treatment team, the Group Counselor assists participants in completing treatment plan goals through group facilitation that includes, but is not limited to, substance abuse recovery skills, strategies for coping with trauma, parenting interventions, family relationship skill building, enhancement of educational skills, health awareness, vocational development, etc. based on participant need. Responsible for delivery of program orientation, coordinated case management, substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention and cognitive skill building classes, and process groups, milieu management and crisis intervention as needed. 

Key Responsibilities

• Holds regular group counseling sessions with participants, delivering curricula in accordance with program specific requirements as outlined in the weekly group schedule.
  
• Provides assistance with behavior modification through teaching and encouraging participants to utilize program tools.
  
• Evaluates participant progress.
• Attends required trainings and meetings.
  
• Plans and facilitates client celebrations and special events.
  
• Available for weekends and holidays as needed.
  
• Collaborates with treatment team and other available internal and external resources to develop/maintain treatment plans, transition plans, progress notes and appropriate updates in support of the health and recovery needs of the client.
  
• Maintain documentation in compliance with agency, HIPAA, 42CFR, and funder standards.
  
• Properly documents all services provided and any other documentation needed in the client record and ensures that the golden thread is documented throughout the chart.
  
• Work with treatment team to develop and assess effectiveness of individualized treatment plans and client progress.
  
• Assist in ongoing maintenance of clients’ charts and other related documentation.
  
• Ensure that all clinical documentation is completed in a timely and accurate manner, and entered into the various electronic systems.
  
• Facilitates specialized groups, substance abuse education, relapse prevention and cognitive skill building classes, and workshops.
  
• Maintains safe and gender responsive program environment.
  
• Communicates with treatment team verbally and through the staff log.

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Diploma.
• Drug and Alcohol registration recognized by Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
• One year of experience in a substance abuse treatment setting and group facilitation.
  
• First Aid Certified within 30 days of employment.
• CPR Certified within 30 days of employment.
• A valid California driver’s license and current automobile insurance.

Desired:

• Drug and Alcohol Certification recognized by Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• Experience with healthcare Electronic Health Record Systems.
• Bilingual in Spanish.