We are a Los Angeles County-based non-profit agency dedicated to supporting adults with serious mental health and co-occurring disorders. As a contractor for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, we operate two Mental Health Social Rehabilitation Facilities in El Monte, with capacities of up to 13 and 15 beds, respectively. Our programs focus on short- and long-term goals for each client, emphasizing their reintegration into the larger community.
Mission Statement: BRIDGES is a mental health and social services agency dedicated to supporting individuals facing behavioral health challenges and disorders. Our mission is to restore dignity, respect, and to empower at-risk children, youth, adults, and their families to achieve their utmost potential for independence, community integration, and an enhanced quality of life. Through tailored programs and services, guided by a strength-based, client-centered approach, we leverage individual strengths to foster skills and abilities, breaking the cycle of institutionalization and homelessness. Together, we build bridges to brighter futures.
General Responsibilities:
The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for cultivating therapeutic relationships with clients to support their attainment of maximum independence and community participation. This involves engagement, assessment, care plan development, individual and group counseling, case management, family involvement, crisis intervention, resource development, and discharge planning. As a lead, the counselor demonstrates professional maturity essential for effective client and staff support. In the absence of the director, the counselor may act as the lead, coordinate program needs, and align services with the team therapist.
Specific Responsibilities:
· Review and develop ongoing assessments, including psychosocial history, substance use, and skills information, as needed, to plan effective goals and interventions.
· Manage a caseload of clients, developing and working on goal attainment.
· Provide case management and linkage/referral services depending on client’s individual needs, phase of program, and utilizing team input whenever appropriate.
· Develop and implement individualized treatment and safety plans focusing on short- and long-term goals as well as personal accountability agreements and relapse prevention plans when applicable to the situation.
· Conduct and/or participate in Case Reviews, timely and effectively to update goals and objectives, and well as to create new goals or discontinue goals no longer applicable or desired.
· Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions addressing specific client needs.
· Lead mental health workers (MHWs) in the absence of the director.
· Coordinate client appointments with community services such as social security, medical and dental care, therapy, and other needs.
· Assist clients in developing self-advocacy skills and empowerment.
· Participate in team meetings communicating treatment recommendations.
· Develop professional relationships with conservators, family members, and other outside supports and involved parties.
· Document services timely, and in compliance with CCL regulations, DMH standards, and agency policies.
· May monitor clients’ self-administration of prescribed medications as needed; must have a full understanding of the related policies and procedures to step in when needed.
· Support clients with substance abuse issues, including relapse prevention planning, facilitating substance abuse education groups, and/or administering drug tests when appropriate.
· Organize and actively participate in socialization activities, off and on-site to improve clients’ social skills.
· Teach and monitor activities of daily living, providing hands-on instruction and guidance.
· Perform administrative functions as assigned, including billing, census tracking, and other documentation.
· Engage in ongoing professional development and training (minimum of 20 hours per year).
· Discharge plan and work with the clients, team, and outside sources to develop a plan for effective discharge, continued mental health support, and housing.
· Work collaboratively and cohesively with all team members. Develop and utilize effective communication tools to assist with this process.
· Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision, and trainings.
· Treat clients at all times with dignity, respect, courtesy and communicate in an adult-to- adult manner.
· Serve as role model for the workplace and for the clients.
· Responsible for reporting of unusual occurrences, as per agency policy and procedure and CCL and DMH regulations.
· Adhere to all policies and procedures.
· Lead or participate in community/house meetings, and check in meetings with the clients.
· Utilize de-escalation techniques and strategies to manage and diffuse challenging situations effectively.
· Other related duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
· BA/BS in social work, psychology, human services, addictions, or a related field + 1 year of direct mental health counseling and/or case management experience preferred. AA and/or a combination of education and experience may be substituted. Substance abuse certification may be accepted in lieu of BA/BS at the discretion of the Agency.
· Experience in a residential setting, particularly working with individuals who have serious mental health and co-occurring substance abuse conditions, is highly preferred.
· Knowledge and experience working with culturally diverse populations and individuals.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
· Ability to prioritize work, solve problems independently, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to effectively work in within a multidisciplinary team
· First Aid Certification.
· Must be computer literate and able to complete chart documentation electronically.
· Excellent written communication skills are necessary.
· Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
· Ability to obtain Department of Justice clearance, in accordance with Community Care
· Must have a health screening with negative TB test results.
·BRIDGES manages COVID precautions as a part of our health and safety practices. Currently, masks on site are generally optional and may be required later if community transmission rates increase, there is an outbreak, and/or we receive updated health orders or other regulatory guidance requiring us to institute required masking.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.50 - $27.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Work setting:
Ability to Commute:
- El Monte, CA 91732 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- El Monte, CA 91732: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person