Counselor Ii - Ips (Berkeley)

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Counselor II - IPS who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

• Direct Employment Services - Deliver individualized, community based supported employment services using the IPS model. Conduct rapid job search by initiating employer contact within 30 days of program entry for most clients, consistent with IPS fidelity standards. Provide ongoing, work based vocational assessment and updates plans based on new information. Ensure job search and job development activities are individualized and based on client preferences. Provide individualized, time unlimited follow along supports based on client needs and preferences.
• Employer Engagement & Job Development - Conduct frequent, face to face employer contacts to build relationships and identify competitive job opportunities, meeting the fidelity expectation of six or more employer contacts per week. Use individualized, preference-based approaches to employer engagement. Develop a diverse network of employers and job types to support client choice.
• Integration With Mental Health Treatment Team - Participate in weekly mental health treatment team meetings to integrate employment with clinical care, consistent with fidelity expectations for team assignment and frequent contact. Share client updates, coordinate services, and collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors as part of routine service delivery.
• Documentation, Data, and Compliance - Maintain accurate, timely documentation in both the EHR and on-site records in accordance with agency policy and IPS fidelity expectations. Submit required IPS data for quality improvement and fidelity monitoring. Ensure adherence to agency Corporate Compliance policies and procedures.
• Training/Supervision/Professional Development- Pursue professional development through collegial consultation, supervision, continuing education, training, and certification.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.

• A bachelor's or master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, rehabilitation, or related human services field.
  
• Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to frequently travel within the community, including employer visits, job coaching, and outreach.
• Must be able to spend 50-64% of work hours in the community.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on employer and/or client needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disabilities.
• Experience in vocational services, job development, or community based behavioral health.

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must:

• Have knowledge of evidence based supported employment, specifically the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
• Have knowledge of mental health symptoms, functional impairments, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Have ability to engage employers, conduct community-based job development, and support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.
• Have ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary treatment teams and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors.
• Have ability to maintain dual documentation (EHR and on-site records) and meet productivity expectations.
• Have ability to work independently in the community, manage a caseload, and provide trauma informed, strengths-based services.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.