Covenant Health

Senior Program Counselor- Drop-In Center

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift 

Peninsula Overview:

Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center, has set a new standard for effective, innovative and caring mental health services in East Tennessee. With a combined total of more than 75 years of experience, Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies, and lead healthy, positive and productive lives.

Offering both inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults, Peninsula is a leader in the changing healthcare environment. The hospital is located in Blount County, with outpatient centers in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Sevier Counties. Additionally, Peninsula offers care specifically designed for seniors with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions at the Senior Behavioral Center located at Parkwest Medical Center. Peninsula is truly committed to improving the health of the people and communities it serves.

Position Summary:

Senior Program Counselor teaches skill building courses and holistic wellness courses which support the recovery needs of persons who have experienced psychiatric symptoms who are interested in pursuing recovery. Senior Program counselors foster a collaborative, supportive, and safe recovery environment in an outpatient setting. In addition senior program counselors provide safe transportation for participants and are responsible for an educational or social activity at the peer support center or off campus. Senior Program Counselors at the Peer Support Centers are also responsible for providing one meal and snacks during the centers operating hours. Senior Program Counselors also maintain attendance and activity records required by the state TDMHSAS and the completion of monthly reports.

• Provides assistance and guidance to students throughout the structured day at the Peer Support Center.
• Motivated to work independently but is also supportive of other staff in the Peer Support Center.
• Is able to work in an organized fashion, planning ahead and keeping up with duties and records.
• Facilitates, implements, and evaluates program goals.
• Responsible for fostering and maintaining a safe program environment.
• Completes required paperwork used in the daily operation of the program and documents in the member files in an objective and competent manner.
• Is punctual and prepared to perform any and all duties and responsibilities.
• Meets with program supervisor as needed for supervision and guidance and to keep manager appraised of any student concerns.
• Local travel required.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education: Peer Support Specialist Training in an approved Peer Support Training program.

Minimum Experience:

One (1) year of successful performance as a Program Counselor in this setting (as indicated by the annual performance evaluation or the quarterly performance evaluations) or a similar setting. Position requires that an individual has been a consumer of mental health services and have current certification in peer support specialist training. Experience in facilitating support groups and teaching basic computer, healthy living and recovery skills are expectations. Abilities to use Microsoft Office programs, manage paperwork and emails, create monthly reports and monthly activity calendars, and facilitate all center activities are required.

Licensure Requirement: Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D with an “F” endorsement, OR a Class “A”. Employee must have state mandated minimum insurance coverage. Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.