Outreach Counselor

Outreach Counselor

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Conduct Behavioral Health Assessments, intervention, counseling and case management for incarnated individuals and residents in Polk County that may benefit from Behavioral Health services.

SCOPE OF WORK

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Conduct client assessments and evaluations; develop and implement treatment plans for clients.
• Assess for eligibility to obtain Polk County Health insurance and provide case management services for clients during mobile outreach activities and upon transitioning from incarceration.
• Provide outreach and education for potential and enrolled patients.
• Provide individual, group and family therapy, as necessary in the jail setting, via telehealth, or in the Lakeland facility
• Prepare and maintain insurance applications, eligibility criteria and clinical records.
• Submit data & compliance reports as required by the funders.
• Participate in clinical staffings and team meetings
• Make referrals to appropriate resource agencies.
• Provide feedback to resource agencies.
• Provide crisis intervention, when needed.
• Participate in staff development activities.
• Participate in planning and conducting outreach events in the community, integrating with the mobile unit & outpatient clinic.
• Prepare transitioning planning and effective discharge planning, including discharge follow-ups for incarcerated individuals and any behavioral health patients engaged in services.
• Engage and offer services within the community in assigned locations using the mobile unit.
• Proactively engaging with underserved or at-risk communities to provide mental health services, foster connections with resources, and raise awareness about mental health needs.
• Must be able to drive and ensure mobile unit is fully stocked to perform outreach events in the community. This includes having a valid Florida driver's license.
• Collaborate with other professionals and community partners to support client well-being.
• Offer educational workshops.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

RELATED EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports. Ability to speak effectively. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form. Knowledge of 12-step program, behavior modification, case management and addiction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Frequently required to stand and / or walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.