POSITION SUMMARY:

Counselors are responsible for delivering individual, group, and family counseling services to clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Core responsibilities include completing required clinical documentation such as psychosocial assessments, Individual Treatment/Service Plans (ITP/ISP), progress notes, and monthly reviews. Counselors actively participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, monitor client progress throughout care, and contribute to discharge planning to ensure continuity of services. They provide crisis assessment, intervention, and de-escalation to promote client and staff safety, while guiding peers to ensure consistent and appropriate responses to critical situations. Counselors develop and implement approved curricula to support group and individual counseling sessions, utilizing evidence-based practices tailored to client needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to address substance use, co-occurring disorders, and mental health concerns.
• Conduct thorough client screenings and assessments; develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans based on each client’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
• Utilize evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy approaches to evaluate and treat emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and affective conditions.
• Deliver services via secure distance-based platforms when appropriate, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.
• Assess client needs and determine appropriate modalities of care, including crisis intervention, referrals, and coordination with ancillary services (e.g., family support groups, continuing care, medical services).
• Conduct intake interviews and determine program eligibility and appropriateness for services or referral to external providers.
• Provide crisis intervention, following WestCare policies and procedures, and take immediate action as needed to ensure client safety.
• Report unusual incidents, safety concerns, or compliance issues to the Residential Clinical Coordinator, Program Director, Regional Vice President, or regulatory agency as appropriate.

• Monitor, evaluate, and document client behavior, progress, and participation throughout treatment.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessments, and reports in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Follow all WestCare policies, procedures, and professional standards of practice.

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, counselor meetings, and discharge planning discussions to support continuity of care.
• Educate clients and families about recovery resources, relapse prevention, and coping strategies.
• Support aftercare planning by assisting clients in identifying community resources and ongoing recovery supports.
• Ensure regular and consistent attendance to maintain continuity of client care.
• Promote and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program and client needs.