Job Details

Counselor/Discharge Planner

Under close supervision, the Counselor/Discharge Planner position provides support and structure to participants in developing program plans by managing a caseload and administering the policies and procedures of the program as directed by the contracting agency and the Program Manager. Learns, uses and models the principles of the "What Works" system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with participants and other staff members. Responsible for working with participants in developing reentry transition plans to help them be successful upon their release from custody.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• The Counselor/Discharge Planner prepares written personalized programs for each participant to establish measurable criteria of expected behavior and accomplishments and a time frame for achieving specified goals.
• Reviews plan with participants and documents progress or revisions so they are gaining the life skills necessary to make a successful re-entry into the community.
• The Counselor/Discharge Planner establishes and maintains a comprehensive network of community-based service providers that address the needs of SUD Treatment Services and MAT participants to improve successful reintegration.
• Meets with participants to develop comprehensive discharge and reentry plans and connects participants to needed services.
• As needed, and to enhance or expand programming, able to conduct risk/need assessments, collaborate with participants to create individual success plans (ISPs), facilitate group and individual SUD treatment, and provide comprehensive case management and reentry planning services.
• The Counselor/Discharge Planner assists participants to establish personal budget, locate suitable housing, enroll in educational and vocational programs and participate in family and community activities, as appropriate, to ensure that they are working towards financial independence.
• Make entries into confidential files and database to provide the structure for case analysis and program planning and to provide documentation of program participation. Ensure files are secure to protect confidentiality.
• The Counselor/Discharge Planner prepares discharge reports within established time parameters upon participant release to summarize program performance and to satisfy contract requirements. Participates in Staffing meetings by sharing observations and recommendations regarding behavior and program performance to identify and solve problems and function as a unified team.
• Maintains confidentiality obtained through job duties regarding employees, vendors, and outside agencies so that sensitive information is only given on a "need to know" basis.
• Reports all program violations to direct supervisor and/or appropriate agency or official via the established reporting parameters.
• Assists with conducting orientation meetings with new participants to explain program rules and regulations. Verbally explains the participant contract in detail to ensure that the participant understands his/her responsibilities.
• Creates participant schedules and monitors progress and completion of programming elements.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of staff in a manner that promotes a team spirit and a sense of cooperation.
• Works collaboratively with the customer in a professional and responsible manner to effectively serve the participants.
• Complies with work rules and policies as explained in the company Employee Handbook, and the Facility Policies and Procedures Manual; and responds positively to directives from managers and supervisors in a cooperative spirit to ensure conformance to standards.
• Adheres to attendance policy; be flexible to work overtime if needed, to ensure adequate coverage of the program and to ensure the safety and security of the participants.
• Complies with safety rules; take appropriate corrective action to ensure work is performed in a safe manner and without injury to self or others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social services, criminal justice preferred or Associate of Arts or Associate of Sciences degree from a granting institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) or equivalent and/or high school diploma or equivalent; and a minimum of one (1) year of experience of counseling duties with a criminal justice population and/or substance abuse program.
• Preference for AOD Counselor Certification by an agency approved and recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
• Extensive knowledge of the transitional process, both documentation and operational, between in-custody and community-based modalities/programs.
• Familiar with community corrections systems and current community corrections practices.
• Ability to write clear concise reports in English using correct grammar.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.
• Must be able to react quickly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred, but not mandatory.
• Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Problem solving ability. Good interpersonal skills while understanding the boundaries needed for working incustody.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of client record management.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work in an in-custody setting.

GEO Reentry Services LLC.