A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
Under supervision, performs crisis assessments, psychosocial assessments, treatment planning/monitoring, and discharge planning. Provides individual and group counseling to clients requiring complex intervention for both mental health and substance use disorders in a crisis setting. Services will be provided as part of an interdisciplinary team in a Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC).
Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:
Performs job responsibilities under supervision. Performs clinical assessments of the behavioral health needs of those presenting for services Determines appropriate services and alternate plans of care within an established time frame. Performs or directs the intake process ensuring patient's/client's/consumer's information (medical, psychological, and financial) is assembled accurately to process applications. Assigns appropriate priority to eligible applicants and refers ineligible ones to other community services. Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas. Communicates accurately and clearly to the patient/client/consumer and his/her family members/significant others the identified treatment goals. Monitors patient's/client's/consumer's progress through interviews, discussion with team members, chart reviews or other methods. Accurately conveys progress information to family members/significant others, as appropriate. Writes concise, accurate, clear progress notes in the patient's/client's/consumer's chart as required by policy. Acts as client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve crisis. Develops and maintains a network of community contacts. Participates in strategy or review sessions, committees, and task force work to facilitate linkages and communication. Represents the facility in planned community meetings. Participates in meetings pertaining to case management, case collaboration and discharge planning providing appropriate patient/consumer information. Makes referrals to appropriate agencies for support services Counsels clients in individual and group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life. Provides patient/family education sessions as needed. Develops and presents educational programs on social work topics to employees, social work students, community groups, care providers or others as requested. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related seminars, conferences, and the like. Attends seminars and professional meetings when available. Maintains a continuing education program by attending in-service training when scheduled. Maintains professional knowledge by reading up-to-date articles, books, etc.
Minimum Qualifications :
Clinician 2 : Masters degree in a related area from an accredited college or university AND associate licensure in the state of Georgia. Clinician 3 : Masters degree in a related area from an accredited college or university AND full clinical licensure in the state of Georgia.
Preferred Qualifications:
1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in community behavioral health service delivery. Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment models. Strong communication skills including recovery language.
