Counselor, Women’s Harm Reduction Program (WHRP)

POSITION: Counselor, Women’s Harm Reduction Program

STATUS: Exempt, full-time or part-time

SALARY: Commensurate based on experience & Licensure

POSITION PURPOSE: The primary responsibility for this position is to provide AODA and Mental Health therapy/treatment to program participants including group, individual, and family sessions as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  This counselor will be responsible for providing counseling for women referred to our program. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 

• Conduct mental health and substance use assessments with clients and develop appropriate treatment plans, and treatment plan reviews
• Utilize the DSM-5 in conjunction with an AODA screen and assessment to diagnose and create treatment plans
• Complete all documentation for assessments, treatment plans, individual/group contact notes, discharge summaries, and all other documentation to comply with all state certification regulations
• Complete reports and documentation that are required for community corrections, courts, other agencies and funding sources
• Facilitate evidence-based groups including Seeking Safety (trauma), Moving On (CBT), and other treatment and education groups as assigned
• Provide individual counseling to participants, when indicated
• Maintain positive working relationships with Benedict Center treatment team, other program staff, and staff from other agencies providing ongoing care or supervision of client for coordination of client services
• Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly staffing with medical director and system partners
• Attend scheduled clinical supervision meetings as prescribed by state statutes
• Coordinate drug screens from participants, when indicated
• Attend in-service training and staff development activities
• Attend other trainings as is deemed necessary to provide services

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Master’s Degree in psychology, counseling or social work or another related human services field required

Licensure:

• Must have Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) certification
• Mental Health (LPC or APSW/LCSW) licensure in good standing by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services preferred. In-training or temporary licensure with experience will be considered

Experience, Skills & Commitment

• At least 5 years of experience working with women with substance use issues and criminal justice involvement preferred.
• Experience with Trauma-Informed Care principles and Motivational Interviewing practices required
• Commitment to providing services that are gender-responsive, evidence-based and reflect the practices of Stages of Change Theory and Harm Reduction
• Ability to communicate and work well with people from diverse economic, racial, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds in an open and respectful environment and a commitment to self-reflection, accountability and commitment to providing culturally-effective services
• Commitment to the mission of creating system of justice that is fair and treats justice-involved individuals and the community with dignity and respect
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to advocate on behalf of clients within the criminal justice system and the community, including Probation Agents, Courts, landlords, and other government agencies
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience with group facilitation
• Sound judgment and ability to deescalate situations with clients when indicated
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner and as a team-player
• Computer literacy and experience with electronic medical record, databases, and excel worksheets

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Full-time, non-exempt position
• Paid vacation and personal/sick time
• 13 paid holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available
• Short-term disability, life, accident and other insurances also available
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities

The Benedict Center is an EEOC Employer.