Counselor II - MCHOME

Salinas, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $28.57 - $40.97

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive compensation

Tuition Reimbursement

Clinical licenses and training reimbursement

Loan repayment

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Monthly payment in lieu of insurance coverage

Retirement Plan

vacation accrual

Sick leave accrual

Professional Development

clinical supervision

Employee recognition events

Staff appreciation events

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Flexible work schedules

Work-life balance

Job Description

Interim, Inc. is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to providing services and affordable housing to support members of our community living with mental illness. Founded with the mission to empower individuals with psychiatric disabilities, Interim works tirelessly to promote productive and satisfying lives where these individuals can live, work, learn, and participate fully in the community. With a client-centered approach and a focus on trauma-informed care, we strive to instill hope and build stronger communities through comprehensive mental health programs and outreach services.

The Counselor II - Outreach role is a vital part of Interim's efforts to serve homeless individuals experiencing psychiatric disabilities. This position involves direct outreach to vulnerable populations in diverse environments, including the streets, shelters, hospitals, and jails. As a Counselor II - Outreach, you will collaborate closely with multiple stakeholders such as law enforcement, county personnel, healthcare providers, and homeless service organizations to identify and engage homeless individuals with mental illness. You will guide clients through the enrollment process for MCHOME (Monterey County Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement) and assist them in securing medical, mental health, shelter, income, and benefit resources.

The role requires a compassionate and empathetic individual who can maintain appropriate boundaries while working in challenging interpersonal settings. On-site work at assigned locations allows you to engage directly with clients, offering support that includes crisis intervention, symptom management, relapse prevention, and development of independent living skills. You will also participate in continuous assessments to monitor risk factors such as suicidality and violence. This role demands flexibility, responsibility, and excellent organizational skills to ensure that client needs are met efficiently and effectively.

The Counselor II - Outreach position is full-time with a competitive hourly wage ranging from $28.57 to $40.97, with eligibility for overtime. Compensation is based on education and experience, and additional pay incentives may apply for licensed program involvement. The position reports directly to the Program Director and Outreach Coordinator.

This opportunity offers a meaningful career path in mental health outreach with an organization that values professional growth, work-life balance, and employee well-being. Interim provides an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and discrimination is not tolerated. If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of homeless individuals impacted by mental illness and want to be part of a team dedicated to social rehabilitation and community integration, this counseling outreach position is ideal for you.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED
One year of work experience in mental health and/or substance use disorder field
Ability and willingness to learn computer skills
Ability to work as a member of a team
Ability to accept supervision
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in interpersonal relationships
Ability to learn and apply principles of social rehabilitation, client-centered and trauma-informed services
Valid California driver’s license
Auto liability insurance
Good driving record
Criminal record clearance
Proof of authorization to work in the United States
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
One year of work experience in mental health and/or substance use disorder field
BA in related field may be substituted for experience
Lived experience as a consumer or family member valued
Good written and oral English communication skills
Word processing and data entry/retrieval skills preferred
Ability and willingness to learn computer skills
Ability to work as a member of a team and accept supervision
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries
Ability to learn and apply principles of social rehabilitation, client-centered and trauma-informed services
Ability to be organized, responsible, flexible, empathic
Ability to relate effectively with clients, staff, professionals, and community members
Knowledge of community resources desirable
Valid California driver’s license
Auto in safe operating condition
Auto liability insurance
Good driving record
Criminal record clearance
Proof of authorization to work in the United States
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred: B.A. in related field

Job Duties

Evaluate and provide services for individuals identified as homeless and having a psychiatric disability
Coordinate services, arrange appointments, and provide assistance with obtaining benefits, food, clothing, shelter, and other personal items
Provide client-centered, trauma-informed supportive counseling focusing on the present
Listen, respond empathically, and engage clients in a solution-focused approach
Identify strengths, barriers, and mental health or substance use symptoms
Assist clients in self-management skills
Conduct ongoing assessment for risk factors such as suicidality, violence, and frequency of substance use
Identify, assess, and respond to crisis situations
Set clear limits, ensuring client and staff safety
Work closely with the Program Director in identifying appropriate clientele, services provided, and moving clients through the assessment process for possible MCHOME enrollment or appropriate referral
Establish and maintain linkage with other agencies, including Mental Health, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, Case Coordinators, homeless and housing providers, social security, and community resources
Attend relevant meetings with community providers
Maintain legible, accurate, and timely documentation
Participate in the On-Call rotation providing crisis support and emergency coverage
Teach and assist clients with practicing relapse prevention and independent living skills
Facilitate family and house meetings and social events as appropriate
Participate in staff meetings to communicate client needs, program updates, and agency business
Perform other duties as assigned by Outreach Coordinator or Director