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.
Behavioral Health Counselor MS Licensed Job Description Overview Position Title:
Counselor - Behavioral Health (MS, Licensed)
Location:
W-Greenbush in
Lafayette, IN Shift:
Full-Time Day Position Overview:
The Counselor facilitates patient involvement in treatment and education within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include individual, family, and group counseling, along with all functions related to utilization review and discharge planning. The role involves collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure timely, safe, and resourceful care, interpreting complex patient and family needs, and modeling caring practices. The Counselor assesses psychosocial risks, provides counseling on emotional, social, and financial impacts of illness/disability, and mobilizes community and family resources to meet patient needs. This position also acts as a point person for cases involving abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and protective services, serving as liaison with state and county protective teams. The Counselor provides intervention in guardianship, foster care, adoption, and mental health placements, and supports crisis intervention efforts to maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Facilitate patient involvement in treatment and education activities. Conduct psychosocial assessments and deliver therapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and group counseling. Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop treatment and discharge plans. Interpret and communicate complex patient and family needs, modeling caring practices for caregivers. Assess psychosocial risk factors based on prior functioning, support systems, and reactions to illness. Counsel patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial consequences of health issues. Access and mobilize community and family resources to address identified needs. Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral. Serve as a point person for abuse/neglect, domestic violence, and institutional abuse cases; coordinate with protective services. Support crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning to manage potentially dangerous situations. Provide intervention in guardianship, foster care, and adoption cases. Maintain documentation accurately in electronic medical records and ensure compliance with legal mandates. Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, law enforcement, schools, probation, and other agencies.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field. 3-5 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community-based experience. Current Indiana license as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCAC, or HSPP. Certification in crisis intervention may be required. BLS certification may be required. Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, DBT). Knowledge of legal mandates for child and adult protective services at state and local levels. Understanding of the principles of growth and development over the lifespan. Skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Ability to create a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct on daily activities and programming. Basic proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, healthcare teams, law enforcement, and others.
About IU Health:
IU Health is Indiana's largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, with nearly 40,000 team members, 16 hospitals, and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. Our programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, and transplants are nationally recognized. In partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Health combines research, education, and clinical excellence to improve health outcomes for Indiana communities. Benefits Designed for You We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Indiana University Health is Indiana's most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We're looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.
