IPS Counselor I

Under the assigned supervisor, the IPS Counselor will provide counseling, advocacy, and case management services to youth and their families during a 6-month intensive intervention period in a community-based setting. While in a Placement with caregivers, the Intensive Placement Stabilization, IPS Counselor will provide critical Intensive, trauma-focused therapeutic interventions, to caregivers and youth in a non-traditional and flexible manner.  Adapting to the availability and needs of the family per their school and work schedules.  The IPS Counselor will utilize strengths-based and trauma-focused approaches in developing relationships, assessments, and treatment plans.  As part of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program, IPS Counselors support both the youth and caregivers in strengthening the bond and communication between them and improving their sense of security and permanency.  IPS works with both caregivers and children in weekly sessions operating within the framework of Attachment Regulation and Competency (ARC) along with other evidence-based modalities and frameworks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

•  Provides support and stability services for up to 6 months to families referred
•  Caseloads are approximate 10-13: 1 ratio
•  Program operates 24/7
•  Position is required to be available Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5pm
•  Positoi requires sessions outside of normal office hours and at times can be later evenings
•  Position requires rotation of on call calendar monthly to offer 24/7 coverage of program needs for crisis(typical schedules are 1 week a month)
•  Provides crisis intervention response, assessment, and follow-up services as deemed appropriate per the program plan.
•  Conduct an initial visit within 5 days of referral opening per contractual and programmatic expectations.
•  Provides crisis intervention in-home services in local coverage areas as appropriate to program requirements. 
•  This position will require day and overnight travel for training opportunities, advocacy for youth and families in community meetings, or staffing and client sessions.
•  Provides active guidance/feedback during family contacts (i.e., during sessions, crisis interventions, and other crisis stability events).
•  Completion of intake, Mental Health Assessment, DCFS Extension and Discharge processes, and Treatment Planning as outlined in IPS programmatic and contractual expectations.
•  Demonstrate the ability to correctly identify emotions, and to mirror regulated feelings in a way that promotes emotional and intellectual development (emotional intelligence).
•  Assists in the integration of all services provided for the client by serving as a central point of communication for service components during the crisisand in follow-up, if applicable.
•  Provides crisis response mental health interventions and specific services according to the funding source (such as DCFS) where applicable.
•  Completes crisis counseling assessments, decision-making, evaluation risk, mental health interventions, and supporting family unit during services. 
•  Provides training and Psychoeducation to caretakers where applicable.
•  Mentors new counseling staff.
•  Selects and administers Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to youth aged 7 to 21, along with other evidence-based tests and assessments as needed and skilled in administration.
•  Maintains the highest ethical standards in keeping with professional affiliations and demonstrates the ability to perform strength-oriented practice.
•  Provides comprehensive and initial diagnostic assessment of all referred clients utilizing interviews and well-recognized criteria.
•  Plans and administers therapeutic treatment if applicable in the program.
•  Regularly discusses progress toward goals with clients and encourages client feedback and client ownership of outcomes.
•  Ensures there is a medical rule out of symptoms and coordinates the approach with medical and other providers serving the client.
•  Adapts clinical methodology to the needs of the client using an evaluative tool and client feedback approach to ensure client service is meeting needs, and as needs change, adapts method and degree of therapy.
•  Collaborates with existing and future mental health-related services, supportive services treatment, and counseling.
•  Maintains comprehensive client file with progress reports/session notes, completing assessments and CANS outcomes, closing summaries, preparing reports for court as needed, testifying in court as needed, and participating in multidisciplinary staffing as needed.
•  Develops collaborative relationships with staff and other programs both within and outside of the agency and assume initiative in developing therapeutic groups.
•  Represents the agency at court hearings and attends required staffing meetings.
•  Monitors client progress and periodically re-assess client's level of functioning as necessary, utilizing standard clinical instruments as well as Child and Needs Assessment 2.0 (CANS).
•  Takes a protective role in overall service by ensuring integration of clients with other providers by including them in the treatment planning.
•  Adhere to an Evidence-Based/Informed program: ARC.
•  Other Duties as Assigned.

This list of essential functions is not intended to be exhaustive. One Hope United reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.  

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• 0 to 2 years of experience in the field of Social Work, psychology, counseling, or related field required
• License eligible preferred

Other

• Reliable transportation required
• Valid driver’s licenses and acceptable driving records with OHU-required levels of coverage for auto insurance required
• DCFS background clearance required

Required Skills

• Ability to assess, interpret, and deliver care-related information concerning the life-span development of children and families
• Excellent written and oral communication, with the ability to document in a clear, concise manner
• Highly organized, yet flexible and can handle multiple projects and or priorities well with the ability to manage tight deadlines
• Intermediate data entry skills
• Positive attitude concerning all aspects of working in a challenging environment (including significant patience and respect for children and families who can become quite angry and demanding), sensitivity to cultural needs, and ability to serve as a positive member of a working team
• Resourcefulness in researching issues, analyzing information skillfully, solving problems, and developing solutions with minimal supervision in a timely manner
• Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and adaptive skills to expand software application skills as necessary
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality

We Invest in You!

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Generous vacation and PTO plans
• Health, dental, vision, retirement plan, health savings account, Agency paid life and LTD, supplemental life insurance
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Leadership opportunities on site-based Center Management Teams

A Different Kind Of Employer - One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?

• 800 talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $50 Million agency-- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.  One Hope United participates in e Verify.

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from One Hope United, you will be required to share proof of a Covid-19 vaccination. The requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.