Counselor

REPORTS TO:       Clinical Program Director, Women’s Harm Reduction Program

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 sent to our program.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Conduct need assessments with client and develop appropriate treatment plan and treatment plan reviews
  • Utilize the DSM-5 in conjunction with an AODA screen and assessment to diagnose and create treatment plans
  • Facilitate evidence-based groups including Seeking Safety (trauma), Moving On (CBT), and other treatment and education groups as assigned.
  • Coordinate drug screens from participants
  • Provide individual counseling to participants on a regular basis
  • Maintain working relationship with Benedict Center treatment team and with staff from other agencies providing ongoing care or supervision of client for coordination of client services
  • Attend clinical supervision meetings
  • Attend staff meetings and staffing with medical director and system partners
  • Complete all documentation for treatment plans, discharge summaries, and all other documentation to comply with all state certification regulations
  • Participate in client registration/orientation sessions as needed
  • Complete reports and documentation that are required for Community Corrections, Courts, other agencies and funding sources
  • Attend in-service training and staff development activities
  • Attend other trainings as is deemed necessary to provide services

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s Degree in psychology, counseling or social work or other related human services field or commensurate experience. At least 5 years of experience working with women with substance abuse and criminal justice involvement preferred.
  • Must have Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC or SAC-IT) certification and/or Mental Health (LPC or LCSW) licensure in good standing by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  • Experience working with justice-involved women
  • Commitment to the mission of creating a system of justice that is fair and treats justice-involved individuals and the community with dignity and respect
  • Training in Trauma-Informed Care principles and Motivational Interviewing practices.
  • 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.
  • Commitment to providing services that are gender-responsive, evidence-based and that reflect the practices of Stages of Change Theory and Harm Reduction.
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of clients with Probation Agents, Courts, landlords, and other government agencies
  • Ability to communicate and work well with women from diverse economic, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds in an open and respectful environment.
  • Commitment to self-reflection, accountability and commitment to providing culturally-effective services.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience with group facilitation.
  • Sound judgement and ability to deescalate situations with clients
  • Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner and as a team-player.
  • Computer literacy and experience with databases and excel worksheets.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation and automobile insurance, preferred as local travel within Milwaukee County is a requirement.
  • Experience conducting telehealth individual and group therapy sessions using Zoom or similar telecommunication platforms.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

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

The Benedict Center is an EEOC Employer.

Send resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@benedictcenter.org