"Habilitation Counselor"

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Habilitation Counselor for the Community Outreach Services Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Habilitation Counselor provides community-based case management services for individuals served to include assessment, treatment / recovery planning, linkage and coordination of care.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Provides case management and community support services to assist individuals and/or families to gain access to needed medical, social, education, mental health, addiction, co-occurring and other services.
• Demonstrates the ability to engage and establish a working relationship with and provide services to individuals with physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders.
• Provides specialized addiction treatment/co-occurring services.
• Collaborates effectively with members of the department, and with external departments, staff, referral sources, other service providers and social support networks to provide services and rehabilitative care for consumers and families.
• Maintains appropriate records as mandated by University Behavioral Health Care policy and applicable accrediting organization standards.
• Demonstrates commitment to the mission and goals of the unit.

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in a mental health field or an appropriate human services field plus one (1) year of related experience required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to speak clearly and write proficiently. The ability to focus on the task at hand despite numerous interruptions. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and document into an electronic medical record while in the field. The employee spends much time driving, walking, standing, bending, and talking with individuals served in the community located throughout the region. Transport of individuals served in state vehicles. The employee can expect to lift up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is predominantly in the community in individuals' homes, shelters, soup kitchens and places where homeless individuals congregate (i.e. forests, train stations, under bridges etc.). Individual wellness checks and crisis intervention required. Subject to unpredictable situations, crises, to include behavioral, medical, substance use and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to individuals exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to blood borne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment.

Special Conditions: Serves assigned shifts, which may include weekend, holiday and/or off-hour shifts. Provides on-call coverage as assigned. Must possess own vehicle for use to outreach individuals served.