Summary

SUMMARY: Under general direction, provides a full range of rehabilitation counseling services in Mental Health or related programs. Formulates client assessments and provides counseling for assigned patients. Gathers and  presents case history data. Performs related duties as required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification, however, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1.  Attends staff conferences and training sessions; presents case history material for review and discussion with other staff members; consults with persons of other disciplines as required; seeks advice and guidance from superiors assigned to program whenever difficult  situations develop.

2.  Interprets procedures to interested lay persons; and participates in commitment hearings, giving factual and corroborative testimony regarding socio-psychiatric history and present behavior of the patient; contact public social and welfare agencies to obtain and provide information; answers correspondence regarding community facilities, commitment procedures, and mental health matters; and makes referrals when warranted.

3.  May provide supervision to personnel assigned to program and participates in the administration of services and facilities.

4.  Meets with patients for regular counseling interviews; guides the patient in understanding his illness or addiction and contributing personal, social and economic factors; assists patients in developing realistic plans; advises patients of community resources; and makes referrals and other arrangements as necessary.

5.  Prepares reports, case summaries, and correspondence as required; maintains case histories and work records including required statistics.

6.  Provides rehabilitation counseling and casework services to patients and consultation to clinic staff members; interviews patients and relatives to gather social and psychiatric data; prepares case histories for use in diagnoses and participates in developing treatment plans for patients.

7.  Works with relatives of patients to elicit their cooperation in treatment programs or commitment proceedings; works with community agencies as required to assist patients in their treatment plans and in coping with environmental needs such as housing, medical care, and employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree from a recognized college or university in rehabilitation counseling, clinical or educational psychology, or in a closely related field. 

Minimum Experience: One year in the field of alcoholic or drug abuse rehabilitation, or mental treatment, working with the severely mentally ill, in group therapy.

Licenses/Certifications: Licensure in the state of California as an MFT, MFTI, ACSW, LCSW or Psychologist, preferred.