Social Service Counselor 3

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Social Service Counselor 3 (Peer Specialist) to support individuals with behavioral health and/or addiction disorders within our Advocacy Division. This role focuses on providing peer support, care coordination, and connecting clients to essential community-based resources to improve overall outcomes.

Come join our dynamic team, where we change lives!

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES:

• Driving Results: The ability to set and pursue goals, maintain focus amid competing demands, and deliver results.
• Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers.
• Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well supported conclusions.
• Driving Vision and Purpose: The ability to create and communicate a compelling direction that motivates others and aligns with long-term goals.
• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote
  understanding and engagement.
  

Five years of social services experience; OR

Six years of full-time experience in any field plus two years of social services experience; OR

A bachelor's degree plus two years of social services experience; OR

An advanced degree in a social sciences field plus one year of social services experience.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:
Some key responsibilities as a  Social Service Counselor 3 are :

• Coordinate care and provide support services for individuals with behavioral health and/or addiction disorders.

• Assist clients in accessing appropriate community-based resources and referrals within established service parameters.
• Collaborate with agency staff, clients, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
• Research and identify the most suitable resources based on the specific needs of each client.
• Deliver identified resources and referrals directly to persons served.
• Oversee peer support services as assigned by the Division Director.
• Maintain respectful, empathetic, and non-discriminatory interactions with all persons served.

The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to build trust with diverse populations, and a commitment to advocacy and empowerment. Experience in peer support or similar roles, knowledge of community resources, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Lived experience and Peer Support Specialist certification or training are preferred.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Full-Time, Probational
Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience. 
Note regarding the advertised pay range: The advertised maximum amount listed is the maximum salary a person can make while in this title/level over their career and not the maximum amount we are allowed to pay a new hire

How To Apply:
  
No Civil Service Test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
  
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
   
Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in this application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application.  Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Tanisha Alexander
MHSD Human Resources Business Partner
tanisha.alexander@mhsdla.org

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.