JOB SUMMARY:

The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing client needs and providing specialized mental health services including assessment, diagnosis and development of a treatment plan. These services will also include individual therapy to clients, using techniques appropriate to the elderly population.

This role is essential to ensuring the well-being and dignity of our senior clients, providing mental health and wellness counseling, emotional support, and guidance to help seniors cope with the emotional, psychological and social challenges that can arise as they age.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform a comprehensive client assessment to identify problems and immediate needs; including summarizing the client’s strengths and functional limitations, and client’s ability to cope with limitations.

Upon intake, meet with individuals face to face to complete assessments and provide coordination of services to improve or maintain the client’s independence and quality of life.

Develop and implement a personalized care plan to address clients’ physical, emotional and social needs in conjunction with the client, their family, caregiver and/or physician, if applicable, and other persons, obtaining the concurrence and signature of the client.

Conduct regular counseling sessions with elderly clients and provide emotional support and guidance to help them navigate difficult life transitions.

Maintain relationships with clients to ensure the best possible health outcomes for clients.

Coordinate functional and social supports to promote client independence and mitigate risk.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and progress notes to include summary notes for each contact, reports, service data and assessments for all assigned clients.

Assist clients in moving toward independent living by providing appropriate community resources.

Act as a liaison between client and Nassau County Council on Aging case managers.

Offer crisis intervention and support as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong knowledge of issues affecting the elderly, including mental health, physical health and social factors.

Strong listening, organizational, observation and time-management skills.

Ability to make sound judgments and possess strong interview and assessment skills.

\Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

Ability to demonstrate warmth and empathy when working with clients.

Ability to work effectively, compassionately and patiently with clients.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to utilize general office equipment and other necessary equipment.

Ability to use personal computer and various software packages.

Strict adherence to ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Must have knowledge of obstacles facing the aging and vulnerable population.

Good verbal communication skills.

Professionalism

SUPERVISION:

Performs duties under the supervision of the Program Operations Director.

WORK EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS

2 years of related experience and/or training are required.

Active and clear license through Florida’s clinical therapy board is required.

Familiarity with community resources for the elderly is also required.

A valid driver’s license and consistent access to a vehicle are required.

Experience working with the elderly or other vulnerable population in a customer focused environment.

Must be able to pass the Level 2 background check required by DOEA.

Must adhere to Drug Free Workplace standards – a drug screen and TB screening are required.

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, gerontology or related field.

PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist and reach on a daily basis.

Able to perform general office administrative activities: copying, filing, delivering, and using the telephone.

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge skill, and or ability required and are not intended to be exhaustive list of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of this position.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $65.00 per hour

Work Location: In person