Mental Health Counselor

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience, knowledge and results of assessments administered to clients.
• Counsel clients individually or in group sessions, to assist them in overcoming mental health/emotional/behavioral, challenges, adjusting to life, recover from trauma, making life changes, improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and others.
• Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their challenges.
• Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
• Evaluate clients' mental condition, based on review of client information, results of assessment tools and observation. Determine (In conjunction with other agency personnel, if needed) if the agency's available services are a good fit for clients' needs.
• Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal-and state-mandated forms, client's diagnostic records, and progress notes.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment. follow agency's protocol to ensure the safeguarding of all client’s confidential documentation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs on client's progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
• Discuss with patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.
• Learn about new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses, and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.
• Work in conjunction with other Ser Familia staff members to develop teams which encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among members, to ensure that Ser Familia is providing the best care and support for its clients
• Cooperate with Ser Familia's Counseling Program Ethical Compliance Director to ensure that mental health services are being provided in compliance to the dispositions of the American Counseling Association.
• Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications and Required Skills:

• Master's Degree in Counseling or related field from accredited university.
• Certified Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LPC)
• Demonstrated oral/written skills in Spanish and English are required.
• Working knowledge of Georgia Mental Health policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience working with populations with mental health, substance abuse, and health issues.
• Strong clerical/administrative skills including computer skills.
• Ability to make routine decisions and determine proper action based on experience within the limits of policy and procedures
• Demonstrated oral/written skills in Spanish and English required
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures, ages and economic backgrounds in a culturally competent and sensitive manner.