Behavioral Health Counselor

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Organization: AMAAD Institute

Type of Work: Full-Time

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Arming Minorities Against Addiction & Disease (AMAAD) Institute facilitates personalized individual access to programs and services that foster safe, supportive, and healthy environments for people to live, learn, and develop to their fullest potential. AMAAD was incorporated through a peer-based framework and has harnessed its collective human and material resources over the years to serve multifaceted communities through transitional housing, Behavioral Health and Recovery support, and advocacy. It utilizes an approach that is especially relevant to disproportionately affected people.

AMAAD is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as a Behavioral Health Counselor (BH-C). Reporting to the Behavioral Health and Recovery Director, and as a core member of the Behavioral Health Team, is responsible for coordinating care, tracking progress, and ensuring participants/clients access the necessary services and resources through AMAAD Cares to enhance their overall well-being.

Like all AMAAD employees, the BH-C should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of AMAAD and possess substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility. Join an organization that celebrates a decade of unapologetically offering quality programming and services for the LGBTQ+ community in South Los Angeles.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Lead and facilitate therapeutic group sessions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants to share their experiences and challenges.
  • Collaborate with training and education teams to design and facilitate workshops that address specific behavioral health topics, tailoring content to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
  • Develop goal-oriented support for specific issues in collaboration with participants/clients/therapists, addressing both immediate and short-term goals.
  • Conduct intake assessments to determine the behavioral health needs of participants/clients, including mental health, substance use, and social service needs.
  • Coordinate and facilitate linkage through AMAAD Cares not only to behavioral health services and medical care, but also to include housing, employment, and other community resources.
  • Track participant/client progress, including attendance at therapy or medical appointments, and overall progress towards goals.
  • Conduct regular follow-ups via phone, in-person visits, or telehealth to ensure continuity of care.
  • Work closely with the therapist to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
  • Participate in case conferences and share relevant information to enhance participant/client care and outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including assessments, care plans, progress notes, and follow-up reports, in compliance with institute policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Complete required documentation in a timely manner, ensuring confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; Associates must be advanced to licensing before the end of their second anniversary date at AMAAD.
• Knowledge of mental health and co-occurring disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and community resources
• Computer skills required: Spreadsheet Software (Excel), Word Processing Software (Word), Electronic Mail Software (Outlook), and Presentation Software (PowerPoint).
  • Other skills required:
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Demonstrated ability to make successful presentations to individuals and/or groups at all levels of an organization.
• Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.

COMPETENCIES:

• • Technical Skills -- Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
  • Interpersonal Skills -Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Oral Communication -Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Written Communication -Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Ethics --Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• • Occasionally required to lift items up to 25 pounds
  • California Driver’s License Required

COMMITMENT:

• Onboarding: Monday through Friday, approximately 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with understanding that groups will be scheduled evenings and weekends as programming evolves (i.e., occasional 10 AM to 6:00 PM/ 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM shifts)