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.
This is the entry-level position for counseling and requires a high degree of supervision.
Essentials Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:
The following statements reflect the duties considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in this position.
Key Responsibilities:
Co-facilitates group activity. Conduct individual assessments and evaluations under supervision of Counselor II or higher. Provide individual counseling receiving frequent supervision from a Counselor III or higher. Assist in provision of family counseling. Must be able to demonstrate clinical skills appropriate to the outpatient setting.
Additional Responsibilities:
Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to adolescent, adult and geriatric persons. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. Must possess the ability to assess data reflective of patient's status. Must interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each client's requirements relative to their age and specific needs, and provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications:
Associates degree or current enrollment in Associates or Bachelor's Degree program in Human Services or related area. Completion of internship or supervised volunteer work in an OASAS licensed facility.
Professional Expectations:
Maintains professional affiliations and enhances professional growth and development by keeping abreast of the latest developments in appropriate area(s) of expertise through seminars, workshops, conferences, continuing education, etc. Follows established department and organization policies, procedures, objectives, quality management, safety, environmental and infection control. Demonstrates understanding of behaviors consistent with the facilities Mission, Vision, Goals and Values. Recognizes the importance of customer satisfaction. Develops appropriate behaviors and attitudes regarding exceeding customer expectations. Works to promote cooperative staff effort to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians, and other facility personnel to assure quality patient care. Courteously responds to inquiries from same. Maintains a neat, clean, and safe work environment Performs other duties as requested.
Working Conditions:
Normal office, team approach, multiple locations.
Mental Demands:
Ability to meet assigned deadlines. Ability to handle multiple tasks. Ability to work in moderate to high stress conditions.
Physical Demands:
Sit, walk, stand and drive.
Contacts:
Must be able to communicate effectively and frequently with clients, family, the public and other members of treatment unit staff.
