Wellness Counselor (Behavioral Health)

Overview
MHA in Ulster seeks a full-time (35 hours per week) Wellness Counselor (Behavioral Health) to join our Wellness Services Program. The Wellness Counselor engages and assesses individuals to help them plan their path of Wellness while maintaining a solution–focused, strength-based, task-oriented and client-centered approach that is grounded in the Recovery Model. At times, they may include off-site, community based assessment and screening services.

In addition, this position provides direct wellness services such as crisis counseling, support groups, skill building groups, and workshops.  This position develops and coordinates community projects, trainings, presentations, conferences and various education and awareness activities based on community need while maintaining good community relations that are in keeping with the mission of the Mental Health Association in Ulster County, Inc.

The Wellness Counselor has a schedule of Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm with one late night on Thursday of 12:30pm - 8pm for provided groups.

The pay rate for this position is $21.20 hourly with the potential to increase to $24.47 if additional workshop trainings are needed.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide coaching, referral and linkage to all services and supports as appropriate to promote mental health wellness and enable individuals to best navigate the service system.
• Provide the advocacy needed to help the individual gain access to services and supports when necessary and encourage him/her to advocate on their own behalf in the future.
• Facilitate non-clinical support and self help groups.
• Assist individuals interested in self-help and support activities.
• Provide or coordinate services such as crisis calls and walk-ins, emergency housing, clothing, transportation, legal and entitlement advocacy, peer support, vocational, life skills training and education, and crisis intervention when needed.
• Provide direct wellness services such as support groups, skill building groups, and workshops including creating, maintaining, and promoting group schedules and attendance.  Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Wellness Self-Management (WSM) groups are also provided.
• Responsible for the coordination and implementation of various activities throughout the year, including conferences, Mental Health Month, Mental Illness Awareness week, BIPOC Mental Health Awareness month, Eating disorder awareness week, etc.
• Other Duties and Wellness Team Tasks as Assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Service field and 2 years of relevant work experience. 
• A combination of education, professional, and life experience which will enable the Coordinator to identify and respond to the needs of individuals and families. Knowledge and skills required in planning, screening, counseling (individual and group), advocacy and referral to appropriate services.
• Experience facilitating support groups preferred
• A clean, valid NYS driver’s license that will meet and maintain a satisfactory driving record consistent with agency and insurance standards and have been driving for at least 6 years.
• Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodations required by federal, state, or local law.

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MHA in Ulster is proud to offer the following benefits to our full-time employees:

• Paid Vacation / Sick / and Flex Days
• Medical / Dental / Vision / Life Insurance
• Retirement 403(b) Plan
• Profit Sharing
• Supplemental Benefits such as Telemedicine
• And More!