• Under broad supervision, counsel with emphasis on prevention and/or behavior modification.
• Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health.
• May help individuals deal with addictions and substance abuse, family, parenting and marital problems, suicide, stress management, problems with self-esteem and issues associated with aging and mental and emotional health.
• May serve as team leader. Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas. Act as client advocate in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations. 
• Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, and tests. Counsel clients in individual and group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life.
• Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition based on review of client information.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client's treatment.
• May supervise professional staff and/or support level staff.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports. 

Benefits

 In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

 Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

 The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

 *Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

 DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

 This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

 FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. 

Bachelor's degree in in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university in a related field and four (4) years of job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Behavioral Health Counselor 2 (HCP101) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification or licensure.

Master’s degree and two years related experience or one year at the lower level or equivalent position. In addition to these qualifications listed, preference will be given to those candidates who possess the following: Master's degree in human services, social work, or psychology.