Counselor Jobs in Iowa

The Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS) works with adult clients 18 years and older who live with chronic mental illness, supporting and empowering clients to live more independently. The MHSS works in 1 of 3 departments: Housing, Outreach, or Day Habilitation. Each department provides a unique service, and the MHSS will have additional duties assigned depending on what department they are assigned to work in. This is an hourly position with no expected overtime. Scheduled hours may vary and can include some nights and weekends.

This job search is intended to fill 3 full-time openings in our Outreach Department. Outreach staff work Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

DEPARTMENTS:

HOUSING

• The MHSS supports 4-5 clients living in an agency-owned home. The service is intended to promote independent living skills so clients may secure their own independent housing.

OUTREACH

• The MHSS supports clients 1 on 1 in their home or community. The service is intended to further promote independent livings skills so clients living independently can maintain their housing.

DAY HABIILITATION

• The MHSS supports multiple clients in a group setting. The service is intended to promote social skills through activities and community outings.

CORE DUTIES:

CLIENT INTERACTION

• Facilitate progress toward client goals

• Provide coaching and counseling

Identify triggers and develop symptom management strategies and coping skills

Develop natural supports and encourage community integration

Mitigate barriers and work toward independence

• Enhance quality of life

Encourage activities of daily living

Support organizing and adherence to schedules and routines

Monitor physical health and encourage healthy practices

• Advocate for and assist clients in accessing community resources

• Transport clients according to program expectations or as included in their service plan

• Administer medications in compliance with the Medication Management Program (Housing and Outreach)

• Contact clients as needed in cases of agency closures, unexpected absences, and/or as assigned

SERVICE DOCUMENTATION

• In compliance with Chapter 24, state, federal, agency and other required guidelines:

Timely completion case notes, assessments, and social histories

Timely submission of collateral notes, quarterly updates, and Incident Reports

• Participate in ISP and Addendum meetings as needed

TEAM AND AGENCY PARTICIPATION

• Attend all staff meetings as required

• Participate in additional training as assigned

• Collaborate with other staff and programs as needed

OTHER DUTIES AS REQUIRED AND/OR ASSIGNED

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicate in a timely manner with team of care providers

• Follow through with a consistent schedule and adherence to deadlines

• Achieve expected billable weekly client contact hours

• Complete all paperwork as assigned by supervisor

• Meet with supervisor weekly

• Establish and maintain a consistent schedule with clients and negotiate needed adjustments

• Treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect

• Prompt, professional, and responsive communication with clients, fellow staff, supervisor, collateral agencies – in-person, telephonic, electronic, written missive

• Follow all agency policies and procedures

• Maintain an Outlook calendar, reflecting all appointments and availability

• Dress, personal appearance, and manner of behavior must reflect a professional image

• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:

The supervisory structure of each department is unique. The MHSS will be assigned a direct supervisor by the department’s Program Manager, or they will report to the first existing position within their assigned department in the order below.

1. Senior Mental Health Support Specialist

2. Program Assistant Manager

3. Program Manager

KEY SKILLS:

• Ability to work and engage with a wide variety of people

• Problem solving

• Active listening

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Adaptability

• Ability to meet deadlines

• Writing

• Basic Microsoft Office, SharePoint, OneDrive competencies

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 1+ years of human service experience

• Pass multiple background checks, including but not limited to dependent adult/child abuse and criminal background check and driving records check

• Maintain valid driver’s license and reliable, privately insured car, as well as insurability with agency insurance requirements

• Must be available to work a minimum of 4 hours at a time and 12 hours a week

PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service field (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology)

BENEFITS:

Successful Living offers bonuses and a competitive benefits package to all staff members.

• $200 Sign-on Bonus (paid after successful completion of probationary period)

• $500-$750 Referral Bonus (paid after successful completion of referred staff’s probation period)

• Competitive Benefits Package including, but not limited to:

Insurance*

Health, Dental, Vision

PTO*

Vacation, Sick Time, Personal Day

Holiday Pay

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

IRA

Mileage Reimbursement

Staff Development & Training

• Full-time benefit