AFSCME Council 31
 

Personal Support Program (PSP) Counselor

Based in Chicago, IL

 

AFSCME Council 31 is one of Illinois’ largest and most active unions, representing some 65,000 public service workers in a wide range of occupations- including health care, criminal justice, clerical, public works, human services and educational support. The Personal Support Program (PSP) is an innovative, union-based employee assistance program (EAP) specifically designed to provide services and support to AFSCME represented employees and dependents to help address issues that create personal difficulties and/or jeopardize job performance. The PSP program provides solution-focused brief treatment using program counselors and a network of licensed professionals trained to provide confidential assistance on a wide variety of concerns and problems. 

The AFSCME Council 31 Personal Support Program currently has a PSP Counselor position open in Chicago, Illinois. The Counselor is responsible for clinical activities (including intake, direct clinical services to clients, and referrals), management and oversight of contracted Clinical Consultant (CC) counselors, and maintaining client records and reports while adhering to the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality. 

Education/Credentials
The Counselor will have a minimum of a master’s degree in social service, be licensed at the clinical level, and certified in addictions; a CEAP is highly desirable. A commitment to the labor movement is essential.

Experience
The Counselor will have at least two years’ experience in assessment, counseling, training and consultation. Experience in addictions and EAP are highly desirable. 

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong clinical assessment skills and proficiency in providing Brief Treatment.
• Knowledge of and ability to evaluate appropriate resources and referrals.
• Function as a liaison in a system environment, for example, interfaces with the union, employer, referral source and the client.
• Knowledge of addiction treatment.
• Computer literacy, including familiarity with MIS, Windows, Excel, Internet and Email.
• Ability to function both independently and within a team.

Core Responsibilities:
Intake: verify eligibility and gather information; assess level of urgency and respond to emergency situations as necessary; schedule appointments.

Assessment: provide confidential assessment services to eligible AFSCME represented employees and covered dependents; motivate client to accept treatment recommendations, including brief treatment and/or referral.

Brief Treatment: provide up to six sessions of brief treatment. 

Client Files: develop and enter clinical data on the MIS according to established procedures and maintain client files as directed; submit clinical and administrative reports as requested.

Clinical Consultant Management: assure assigned clinical consultants follow PSP’s policies and procedures relevant to clinical services and that all documentation and billing requirements are met in a timely manner.

Consultation: when appropriate, consult with union representatives regarding ways in which the PSP may be utilized to aid members and/or their covered dependents.

PSP Orientations/Workshops/Grief Groups/CISD: as needed, provide orientations, workshops and group sessions for AFSCME represented employees; assist in developing education and support programs.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary schedule starting at $71,922 with annual step increases based on years of service and topping at $117,017. In addition to step increases, salaries are usually adjusted annually. 
• Benefits include: affordable quality health care coverage; a defined benefit pension plan; vacation, holiday, sick, and parental leave.

To Apply: 
Email cover letter and résumé to: Margaret Walker at mwalker@afscme31.org.