Counselor - Behavioral Health (LCSW or LPC)

Overview

JOB SUMMARY :

Central Health is looking for a skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor to join our Behavioral Health Services to provide compassionate, inclusive and trauma-informed clinical care with the overall goal to reduce systemic barriers to mental health and substance use supports, treatment and services.

In collaboration with patients, their identified support persons, providers, and staff across various disciplines, the Counselor-Behavioral Health Services (Counselor-BHS) is responsible for providing strengths-based diagnostic assessment and treatment to support the delivery of culturally affirming individual, family and group counseling services. The Counselor-BHS is additionally responsible for the delivery of crisis intervention, patient psychoeducation and advocacy, clinical consultation, as well as other relevant clinical services.

This position reports directly to the Behavioral Health Manager. Program offerings may be provided in various settings including Central Health's Outpatient Specialty Clinic and other satellite locations.

The Counselor-BHS should have an embodied commitment to anti-oppressive and trauma-informed clinical care that fosters patient healing through a collaborative approach centered on empowerment, transformation and hope.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions :

• Conduct a diagnostic assessment of mental health and / or substance use disorders utilizing the most updated Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) as well as comprehensive clinical assessments and other psychometric screenings to deliver effective evidence-informed and emerging best practice clinical treatments addressing the multi-dimensional and holistic biopsychosocial- spiritual needs, strengths, and goals for the diverse breadth of patients.
• Provides trauma-informed, evidence-based, strengths-based and culturally affirming therapeutic counseling for individuals in Central Health services to enhance a patient's overall well-being. Works closely with the patient, their treatment team and care providers to develop care plans and provide services that is in the best interest of the patient and consistent with Central Health's policies, mission, and goals.
• Lead and facilitate psychoeducational and counseling groups in various clinical areas; foster group cohesion, encourage participation, and manage group dynamics effectively.
• Fosters a safe, supportive and healing environment for all patients and their identified support systems. Acts as subject matter expert on social work approach, intervention, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
• Responds to mental health and substance use crisis through the provision of trauma informed crisis intervention, de-escalation, risk assessment, and other evidence-informed interventions for patients independently or in collaboration with community organizations.
• Advocates with internal and external stakeholders for continued focus on the choices, values and preferences of the patient. Fosters a safe, supportive and healing environment for all patients and their identified support systems.
• Works closely with the patient's treatment team and care providers to provide care that is in the best interest ofthe patient and consistent with Central Health's policies, mission, and goals. Maintains knowledge of community resources and other benefits necessary to refer patients for services and to advocate for patient needs, priorities and goals.
• Supports Central Health's Behavioral Health Program's continuous quality improvement and utilization management initiatives and activities to ensure high-quality standards of patient care.
• Attends and participates in scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, training, and other relevant meetings necessary for the clinical, administrative, and operational functions of the Behavioral Health Services program.
• Completes all direct and indirect patient care documentation and services under professional standards, program procedures and relevant local, state and federal regulations.
• Facilitation of mental health education for staff, to support knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care and behavioral healthcare services provided by CH's Behavioral Health Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION : Master's Degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited institution.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE : A minimum of 2 years of professional experience performing mental health and substance use assessments, diagnosis and individual / group treatment.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSURE : Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)