Covenant Health

Senior Psych Social Rehab 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:

Psych Social Rehab (PSR) Counselors provide direct support to clients in the Recovery Education Center (REC) and Peer Support Center (PSC) programs within Peninsula Outpatient. PSR Counselors work with individuals diagnosed with mental health and/or substance use disorders to deliver recovery education, assist clients in reducing symptoms, and promote healthy, pro-social behaviors. PSR Counselors are expected to maintain accurate documentation and billing in the electronic medical record, and participate in treatment team meetings. They foster a collaborative recovery environment by supporting program staff in delivering services, providing support to enrolled clients, and attending treatment team meetings. PSR Counselors must demonstrate sound judgment and independence while working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Provides assistance and guidance to clients throughout the structured day at the Recovery Education Center or Peer Support Center.
• Acts as a mentor to new PSR Program Counselors by advising them on best practices and training on protocols.
• Works independently but also supportive of other staff in the Recovery Education Center and Peer Support Centers. Functions at a higher level than the other PSR program counselors by displaying a high-level of sound judgment.
• Demonstrates an organized approach, planning ahead and keeping up with duties and records.
• Facilitates, implements, and evaluates program goals. This includes creating recovery goals with clients, assessing client progress, and safely discharging clients who complete their service. The senior-level program counselor may be expected to support higher-level clients with more challenging needs.
• Responsible for fostering and maintaining a safe program environment.
• Completes required paperwork used in the daily operation of the program and documents in the client’s EMR in an objective and competent manner that is appropriate for billing.
• Attends training as required and supports Peninsula functions.
• Presents a professional image, both in appearance and delivery of services.
• 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 client concerns.
• Attends weekly Treatment Team meetings and other meetings as required.
• Local travel is required. In the Peer Support Program, must be willing to drive company vehicle and transport clients.
• 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:

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a Bachelor’s degree in a directly-related field from an accredited college or university.

Minimum Experience:

At least one (1) year of experience in behavioral health setting required, plus individual must have been a consumer of mental health or substance abuse services.

Licensure Requirement:

Must have and maintain Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) designation from TDMHSAS (or obtain certification within 6 months of hire). Peer Recovery Specialist is a person who has self‐identified as being in recovery from either a mental illness, a substance use disorder, or co‐occurring disorders of both mental illness and substance use disorder and is eligible to gain Certified Peer Recovery Specialist status in Tennessee. Preference will be given to those with a specialty or advanced certification or training.

Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license with a “P” and/or “F” endorsement and state mandated minimum insurance coverage. Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.