Counseling Associate, RAISE, Early Episode Program
University of Maryland Medical System

Job Description
Under direct supervision, provides instruction, counseling and clinical case management in programmatic areas such as, rehabilitation, residential, vocational, case management and community integration to mentally ill and/or homeless clients.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Assists in providing comprehensive, intensive, and coordinated mental health or rehabilitation services to an assigned group of chronically mentally ill (including, homeless) adult clients following generally accepted counseling practices and departmental procedures by assisting in the implementation of individual rehabilitation or therapy programs and case management services as needed.

A. Participates in the development of individual treatment and/or rehabilitation plans in collaboration with a licensed therapist or staff psychiatrist by providing input from daily observations and interactions with clients/members. May co-lead group therapy with other team staff, where applicable.

B. Assists in developing clients daily living skills by teaching/demonstrating appropriate behaviors and correcting inappropriate behaviors to meet social, environmental and health care needs. Supervises and participates in performing tasks with clients, such as, cleaning, self-care/grooming, preparing meals, planning household budgets, food shopping, interpersonal relations, educational/vocational activities (clerical, maintenance) and clothing purchases.

C. Observes and documents client progress in mastering skills. Participates in the assessment of client strengths and weaknesses/limitations as related to presenting problems and recommends alternate/further treatment.

D. In conjunction with medical and other counseling staff, monitors the client's medication by observation or client self-report of medicine compliance.

2. Provides crisis intervention and emergency counseling as needed, notifying the supervisor of client condition or status in accordance with departmental protocol/procedures.

A. Initiates community referrals/follow-ups on placements and referrals for a client in a crisis situation to assist in the recovery process.

B. Makes visits as necessary in "the field" to manage crisis and provide outreach services, including, but not limited to, assessing the need for additional help, mobilize family or "network" supports, or bring client into the center for additional services.

C. Monitors the housing unit or treatment milieu and reports repairs and maintenance to the appropriate parties, as necessary, to help maintain a safe, clean and cost effective environment.

3. Maintains comprehensive client records, and prepares required reports as necessary in accordance with departmental procedures.

A. Completes daily assessment notes for each client.

B. Communicates and documents activities and behaviors of clients in reports to maintain required records, especially Individual Rehabilitation Plans or Individual Treatment Plans.

C. Compiles and completes statistical data necessary for billing, attendance reports and use of services reports.

4. Participates in weekly clinical supervisory sessions with mental health professionals to understand the client's social and psychological problems and to evaluate and recommend changes in the rehabilitation or treatment plan as necessary with the approval of the Clinical Program Director.

5. Communicates regularly with medical and nursing staff, patients, relatives and appropriate outside agencies to assist in coordinating comprehensive psycho-social services for patients in accordance with departmental procedures.

A. Presents initial assessment information to a multi-disciplinary team for input in finalizing the diagnosis and treatment plan in accordance with departmental procedures.

6. Attends and participates in in-service training and various educational programs for professional growth and development to improve clinical skills and broaden the knowledge base. Keeps up-to-date on changes in the field. Participates in research and training activities as necessary, by helping collect data and providing service according to approved protocols.

7. Participates in cross coverage and on-call coverage when needed.

8. Provides guidance and daily direction to volunteers

Company Description
Renowned as the academic flagship of the University of Maryland Medical System, our Magnet®-designated facility is a nationally recognized, academic medical center with opportunities across the continuum of care. Come join UMMC and discover the atmosphere where talents and ideas come together to enhance patient care and advance the science of nursing. Located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards, you won't find a more vibrant place to work!

Qualifications
Education and Experience (Must Meet ALL Qualifications to be considered)

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. Associate of Arts degree in Psychology, or related field, is preferred.
• CPR certification is required.
• Minimum of one year working with intellectually or developmentally disabled patients, and/or homeless patients, assisting in implementing treatment programs and monitoring client progress, or equivalent related experience, is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of psychosocial (rehabilitation) methods of counseling and crisis intervention and community support techniques is required.
• General knowledge of state Medicaid guidelines, and related confidentiality and privacy regulations is required.
• Effective verbal and written communication, interpersonal and listening skills are necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff members and the general public.
• Ability to monitor client medication and to work in a frequently stressful work environment is required.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $17-20.40
• Other Compensation (if applicable): eligible for shift differential
• Review the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide

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