Program Counselor

BASIC PURPOSE

The purpose of Counselor is to assist men and women who come to The Salvation Army for assistance with their physical, emotional and spiritual needs through a structured program of rehabilitation and work therapy. The primary function and responsibility of Counselor is to assist The Salvation Army in supporting the beneficiary to insure program compliance, treatment planning, and recovery goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce and process all correspondence as needed, included but not limited to Adult Rehabilitation Program inquiries.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and facilitate the intake of eligible participants with the program.
• Work with the participants, other key staff and referring agencies, as appropriate to develop a program admissions plan.
• Conduct or facilitate groups, coursework materials, house meetings, and other onsite services as needed.
• Open, sort and process incoming applications and screen for program recommendation or denial.
• Prepare outgoing mail, maintaining correspondence for all inquiries, follow-up, sending applications, letters of acceptance or denial.
• Maintain correspondence with law enforcement agencies, court officials and county offices to initiate admissions and establish progress reports.
• Follow all security procedures as it relates to ARP confidentiality and record retention.
• Maintain accurate and commonly understood ARP program filing system for all incoming beneficiaries.
• Assist with compiling all necessary information, reports and forms as assigned.
• Conduct UA testing and maintain accurate logs as required by law.
• Attend scheduled in-services, workshops and staff development as required by Program Administrator.
• Meet with counselors to assess and monitor progress of beneficiaries in completing the program expectations and accomplishment of personal objectives in recovery; guide and facilitate the beneficiaries' participation in supportive services; provide advocacy and support.
• Work alongside Program Administrator and staff to review and modify the beneficiary handbook to reflect program guidelines.
• Participate in meetings with staff, including those for the purpose of case management reviews and program evaluation.
• Drive TSA vehicle when needed for TSA purposes, completing appropriate vehicle compliance checks and paperwork.
• Input complete and accurate case notes in BITS on a timely basis.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

1. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License, and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle
2. Must be 21 years or older.
3. Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training.
4. Must complete a background check; as required by our Territorial Legal Department.
5. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
6. Computer skills; proficient in MS office, data entry, mail-merge
7. Pursuing education in Human Services (e.g. social work, psychology or chemical dependency). Ideally, certification in Chemical Dependency Studies, Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counseling with recognized State Certified Agency, or AA/BA in related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
2. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
3. Ability to reach overhead
4. Ability to operate telephone
5. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for administrative positions
6. Ability to operate a computer
7. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
8. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer.