Counselor

The Benedict Center is a leading provider of services and advocacy to help women in the criminal justice system live safer, healthier lives for themselves, their children and our community.  Our services include community-based substance use and mental health treatment, reentry programming, and street outreach & drop-in centers for women in the street sex trade. 

Come work with a supportive team to help women lead safer, healthier lives!

The Benedict Center values its staff members - people who want to work with purpose, making a difference in our communities.

POSITION:            Counselor, Women’s Harm Reduction Program

REPORTS TO:       Clinical Program Director

ANNUAL SALARY:  $52,000-$58,000

POSITIN 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.

Send resume to Human Resources at HR@benedictcenter.org