Pend Oreille County is a great place to live, work, and play!

Pend Oreille Country is located in Northeastern Washington, on the border of Northern Idaho and Canada, with Newport, Washington being the County seat. We are just miles from major cities such as Spokane, Washington and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We offer rural living, fantastic recreational opportunities, and beautiful scenery.

Position Open: Behavioral Health Counselor

Salary: $3,975.53 – $5,019.03 per month

Hiring Salary: $3,975.53 – $4,466.91 per month DOE

$3,000 Sign on Bonus, subject to all required taxes and withholdings, to be paid in two payments. 50% of the bonus will be paid on the next regularly scheduled pay date after your first day of employment with Pend Oreille County; the remaining 50% of the bonus will be paid after one year of County service.

Benefits include: Eligibility for medical, dental & vision insurance, HRA VEBA and/or HSA, PERS retirement plan options, life insurance, long-term disability, 37.5-hour work week, paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick leave, time-based step increases. Paid twice per month on the 10th and the 25th of each month.

JOB SUMMARY:   Position would deliver outpatient behavioral health. Services include, but are not limited to, providing individual and group counseling, crisis triage, screening, mental health intakes, and consultation and coordination of services with criminal justice, physical health, and other social service agencies.  Position is non-exempt, subject to collective bargaining agreement and must work effectively with the public and other employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Follow County Policies and Procedures and those policies specific to the position’s work with the Counseling Services and Sheriff’s Department.
2. Complete trainings required by statute, County, conjoint department’s policies, contracts, or otherwise identified by supervisor, within required time frames.
3. Maintain records in accordance with statutes, contract requirements and Agency policy.
4. Have fundamental understanding of DSM IV, or its successor, psychiatric disorders, psychotropic medications, brain physiology and demonstrated working knowledge of the various behavioral health interventions models, counseling techniques and other Evidenced Based Practices.
5. Provide direct services:
   • Screenings, assessments, and intakes (per credential or supervisor approval)
   • Individual and group counseling
   • Develop and implement treatment plans and progress monitoring.
   • Assist medical provider with medication monitoring, psychoeducation, and adherence strategies.
   • Discharge or transition release plans
   • Crisis triage services.
6. Work collaboratively and effectively communicates with a multidisciplinary team for case consultations, psychoeducation and other diversion, probation or court directed actions.
7. Assist in data collection and administrative supports.
8. Effective communication skills demonstrated across various mediums.
9. Perform other duties and assignments as requested by the Director or designee.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in counseling, social work, or other closely related field; master’s degree preferred.
2. Minimum two years of related experience in treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and family systems, preferred.
3. Possess a valid State of Washington issued credential to practice as a counselor, without restriction, probation, or limiting condition or threat thereof, or proof of application must be provided within 30 days of beginning employment and subject receipt of State issuance to practice within 60 days.
4. Possess a valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI), or proof of application must be provided within sixty (60) days of beginning employment.
5. Possess a valid driver’s license.
6. Must successfully pass a background check and a driving record check.
7. Is not a State or Federal (OIG) excluded provider, in any capacity for the Medicare, Medicaid, and all Federal health care programs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ABILITIES:  Works in a variety of settings supporting individuals, families, and groups within the community, to include office, schools, hospitals, jails and other public venues; continuous contact with staff and the public. Standard risks associated with target population served. Hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills are necessary to operate computers and various office machines. Position may require occasional lifting, up to 30 pounds. Regular and punctual attendance is required. Because of the nature of this position, duties must be performed during regular hours within the department. Travel may be required throughout the county and region, in all seasons.