MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR/Herkimer County Adult Protective Service Department

A full time position with an excellent benefit package is available in our Rome clinic. Come join a dedicated and supportive team providing crucial services to our communities!

• $60,000 – $65,000/yr.
• 37.5-hour work week
• M – F, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• 27 paid days off in year 1 (vacation & holidays), plus paid sick time!
• 4% flat 401k contribution (after 1 year)
• Employer paid life insurance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available
• Clinical setting with support staff and services
• May be eligible for NHSC Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LRP) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Supportive and inclusive organizational culture

CULTURE OF SUPPORT

The organization’s focus on enhancing Evidence Based Practices has led to training opportunities in advanced clinical interventions for therapists that are not commonly available in community mental health settings including EMDR, DBT, and PCIT. Treatment approach focuses on trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths based recovery.

Work within a cohesive and supportive multidisciplinary team dedicated to the mission of providing quality behavioral health services to underserved populations in Oneida and Herkimer County. Provide individual, family and/or group therapy to an assigned caseload of children, families and/or adults with a wide variety of mental health issues in an outpatient clinic setting.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

A Mental Health Counselor will be a part of the Herkimer County Adult Protective Services (APS) Team. The Mental Health Counselor will work directly with APS staff in providing mental health interventions and supports to individuals referred to the APS unit.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• In conjunction with APS staff, respond to APS visits as needed/assigned

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to individuals experiencing a crisis or requesting a referral for mental health services

• Make recommendations and assist in facilitating appropriate level of treatment, services, and supports

• Function as an interdisciplinary team member at internal and external meetings

• Provide a continuum of care as needed using The Neighborhood Center, Inc. as well as other community resources such as MCAT, BH Clinic, Care Management, CORE, ICSC, and the OASAS clinic

• Follow up and outreach high risk individuals

• Assist in linking individuals to outside agencies and community resources as indicated and appropriate.

• Provide community education to individuals and providers regarding assessment of risk, navigating systems, and other related tasks

• Provide education/training to APS staff as needed

• Maintain timely, complete and accurate record documentation as directed by APS

• Maintains self in a professional manner at all times, adhering to Herkimer County policy and procedures, The Neighborhood Center, Inc. policy and procedures and in keeping with the Agency’s mission statement, as well as NASW Code of Ethics.

• Performs other duties as requested by Agency Administration.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive knowledge of mental health issues affecting adults with mental health and substance use disorders
• Experience in providing individual crisis and mental health interventions within the community
• Ability to function and respond to emotional disturbed individuals in stressful and unpredictable environments
• Ability to maintain expectations for timeliness and accuracy in the performance of the job functions.
• Ability to function as an interdisciplinary team member.
• A Master’s Degree in Counseling or a closely related field, from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college, and in the process of obtaining a professional license as a LMSW, or LMHC; experience with substance use disorders (SUD) highly preferred.

At The Neighborhood Center, Inc., we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the success of our organization and are dedicated to creating a workplace that welcomes and values all individuals. We strive to create a culture that fosters respect, openness, and understanding, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for open positions.