Group Counselor - NCSH Residential

Job Overview

North County Serenity House, A Program of HealthRIGHT 360 was founded in 1966 to provide substance use disorder services in the community.  North County Serenity House provides a gender-responsive and trauma-informed environment, using evidence-based and best practices that recognize and account for the role that trauma frequently plays in substance use and criminal histories of women. For clients with co-occurring mental illness, we provide integrated substance use and mental health services which treat both conditions as primary. Our residential facility serves up to 120 women (with capacity for up to 20 children under 5 years of age) seeking recovery from substance use disorders. 

We are looking for a Group Counselor with strong group dynamic and problem solving skills and the ability to work with diverse populations. Candidates with a passion in facilitating groups that will assist participants in learning new life skills and developing group materials that will enhance program education for participants will be most successful supporting the program. A desire and knowledge with gender responsive, trauma informed services and working with women and children within substance abuse, mental health, criminal justice and child welfare services population is highly desired. 

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Responsible for providing at minimum, 15 weekly, evidence-based, gender specific, substance abuse related groups in a structured,    safe and culturally sensitive setting. 
  • Delivering curricula in accordance with program specific requirements as outlined in the weekly group schedule.   Encourages participants to capitalize on strengths, develop coping skills and make life changes.  
  • Provides assistance with behavior modification through teaching and encouraging participants to utilize program tools. Evaluates participant progress. Responsible for delivery of program orientation, coordinated case management, substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention and cognitive skill building classes, and process groups, milieu management and crisis intervention as needed.   
  • In conjunction with participant and the treatment team, the Group Counselor assists participants in completing treatment plan goals through group facilitation that includes, but is not limited to, substance abuse recovery skills, strategies for coping with trauma, parenting interventions, family relationship skill building, enhancement of educational skills, health awareness, vocational development, etc. based on participant need. 
  • Plans and facilitates participant celebrations and special events. Available for weekends and holidays as needed. 
  • Collaborates with treatment team and other available internal and external resources to develop/maintain treatment plans, transition plans, progress notes and appropriate updates in support of the health and recovery needs of the participant. Maintain documentation in compliance with agency, HIPAA, 42CFR, and funder standards. Properly documents all services provided and any other documentation needed in the participant record and ensures that the golden thread is documented throughout the chart. 
  • Work with treatment team to develop and assess effectiveness of individualized treatment plans and participant progress.  Assist in ongoing maintenance of participants’ charts and other related documentation.  Ensure that all clinical documentation is completed in a timely and accurate manner, and entered into the various electronic systems. 

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required: 

  • High School diploma or equivalent 
  • Drug and Alcohol registration recognized by  (DHCS)
  • First Aid Certified within 30 days of employment 
  • CPR Certified within 30 days of employment
  • A valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance
  • Experience with group facilitation, developing group materials, implementing group curriculum and facilitating client development based on different learning styles
  • Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Outlook, and internet applications
  • Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self sufficiency
  • Ability to enter data into various electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data
  • Professionalism, punctuality, flexibility and reliability are imperative
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
  • Integrity to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner
  • Action oriented
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organization skills and ability to multitask and juggle multiple priorities 
  • Outstanding ability to follow-through with tasks
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of interdisciplinary team and independently assume responsibility
  • Strong initiative and enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in whenever needed
  • Able to communicate well at all levels of the organization including working with organization leadership and high-level representatives of partner organizations 
  • Able to work within a frequently changing project scope while maintaining overall direction and structured priorities
  • Self-motivated, dependable, creative and proactive approach to work; understands the importance of working independently and within a team environment
  • Openness to and comfort with change; and the ability to facilitate change in others
  • High degree of self-awareness and self-regulation
  • Acts with a sense of urgency to ensure the highest quality of care possible for our participants
  • Ability and willingness to learn new systems, topics, and methods

Desired:

  • Drug and Alcohol Certification recognized by DHCS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field  
  • Experience with healthcare Electronic Health Record Systems
  • Bilingual in Spanish  
  • Must not be on active parole or probation  
  • Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and trauma informed treatment 
  • Knowledge of Clinical documentation (treatment plans, progress notes etc.)
  • Experience working with criminal justice population 
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Related Agency

HealthRIGHT 360

HealthRIGHT 360 gives hope, builds health, and changes lives for people in need by providing comprehensive, integrated, compassionate care that includes primary medical care, mental health services, and substance use disorder treatment.

Find out More
Compensation: TBD
Type: Hourly/ Non-exempt
Agency: HealthRIGHT 360
Benefits: HealthRIGHT 360 offers a comprehensive benefit package
City: Escondido
Hours/wk: 40

Job Location