Job Description

Posting number: 224969

Department: LDH-Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE COUNSELOR 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community and Social Services

The Behavioral Health Community Services (BHCS) Division provides a continuum of community-based behavioral health and supportive programs to assist individuals in their recovery from mental illness and/ or addictive disorders. The Social Service Counselor works under the direction of a Social Service Counselor SB (Permanent Supportive Housing Supervisor). The incumbent assists individuals in Jefferson Parish who have experienced homelessness and who have a mental illness and/or co-occurring disorder to obtain and maintain housing and competitive employment.

JPHSA is committed to providing quality behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and primary care services and supports. Make a difference in the community and join our team today.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies:
Driving Results The ability to set and pursue goals, maintain focus amid competing demands, and deliver results.
Making Accurate Judgements The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.
Acting with Ethics and Integrity The ability to make choices that reflect ethical standards, integrity and honesty, regardless of circumstances or personal benefit.
Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement
Thinking Strategically: The ability to anticipate trends, understand context, and align actions with long-term priorities.

Examples of duties

Three years of social services experience; OR

Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR

A bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

Qualifications

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here

Supplemental information

Job Duties:

• Provide Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) services in the community to a caseload of approximately 18 adult individuals. Provide 12 hours per week of face-to-face contact with individuals in the program
• Provides PSH services in community locations where the person lives, works, attends school and/ or socializes. Must demonstrate flexibility in conducting after-hours appointments
• Assists individuals with receiving appropriate medical, substance use and/or mental health services through advocacy, monitoring and provision of direct services (e.g., transportation, setting appointments)
• Assists individuals in formulating an employment goal/service plan within 30 days of program intake, which addresses the individual's long- and short-term employment and self-sufficiency goals. Reviews goal/service plans with individuals monthly and updates the plan every six (6) months. Ensures services address goals/ services listed in the goal/services plan
• Completes employment assessments with individuals referred to the program, as requested by the PSH Supervisor
• Completes intake assessments with individuals referred to the program, as requested by the PSH Supervisor
• Assists individuals with placement in jobs, volunteer positions, vocational rehabilitation agencies and supported employment agencies
• Assists individuals with securing their basic needs, including housing, benefits, food, transportation, etc., in the community setting. Refers and links individuals with community resources and assists with accessing and utilizing resources
• Teaches individuals instrumental functioning skills (e.g., social relations, daily living skills, money management, problem-solving skills, good work habits, interviewing for employment and conducting job search via the classifieds, internet and other resources) primarily in the home and community setting
• Meets or exceeds employment outcome expectations as specified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Unity of Greater New Orleans.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: This position will be filled as a Job Appointment that will be filled for a limited duration, not to exceed four years

Career Progression: This position does participate in a Career Progression Group and can be filled as a Social Service Counselor 1, 2, or 3

Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with some flexibility as needed to accommodate the needs of the individuals served.

Compensation:The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

**Note regarding the advertised pay range The maximum amounts listed are the maximum salary amounts a person can make over their career and not the maximum amount we are allowed to pay a new hire.

How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Enjoli Lewis

Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority

3616 S. I-10 Service Road West, Metairie, LA 70001

elewis@jphsa.org

504-838-5426

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.