Mental Health Counselor

Position Summary:

The Mental Health Therapist provides outpatient behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families served by Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc. (FSIP). Services include assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, substance use counseling, and coordination of care. The Therapist delivers services in a culturally responsive manner that respects Pueblo traditions, values, and community structures, and may provide services in office, school, community, and home-based settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Completes written psychosocial and mental health assessments within five (5) working days of a client’s admission, or as outlined by program policy.
• Provides individual, group, couples, and family counseling addressing mental health concerns, substance use, co-occurring disorders, relational issues, crisis intervention, and prevention needs.
• Delivers outpatient counseling services at FSIP offices and within Pueblo communities and other sites as needed.
• Provides substance use education and mental health support groups based on community need.
• Develops individualized treatment plans with measurable goals in collaboration with clients and families.
• Conducts risk assessments and develops crisis/safety plans for clients experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or threats of violence.
• Responds to behavioral health crises and makes appropriate referrals for higher level of care when necessary.
• Submits timely, accurate, and ethical clinical documentation and billing in accordance with organizational, state, federal, and grant requirements.
• Utilizes agency electronic health record (EHR) for documentation, scheduling, and data entry.
• Participates in clinical team meetings, case staffing, consultation, and in-service training.
• Works collaboratively with Behavioral Health staff to coordinate client treatment planning, case management, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Coordinates care with external partners such as Social Services, schools, courts, probation, medical providers, and community agencies.
• Participates in community-based therapeutic activities and home/site visits, including engagement with families, schools, and community staff when clinically appropriate.
• Assists in writing or contributing to proposals supporting new or expanding behavioral health services.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Tribal policies, and organizational standards.
• Supports substance use prevention activities, community outreach, and special events as time permits.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and compliance reviews as required by CARF, state, federal, and grant standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health field.
• Current New Mexico licensure (one of the following or similar):
  • LMHC, LMSW, LMFT (associate level)
  • LPCC, LCSW, LMFT (independent level)
• Eligibility for insurance credentialing and Medicaid enrollment.
• Experience providing counseling or therapy services in outpatient or community settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Independent clinical license in New Mexico (LPCC/LCSW/LMFT).
• Experience working with Native American/Tribal communities.
• Experience with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment models.
• Experience with electronic health records systems.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Pueblo language (if applicable).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and clinical assessment practices.
• Ability to maintain appropriate therapist–client boundaries.
• Skill in crisis assessment and safety planning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to travel between community sites as assigned.
• Commitment to cultural humility and community-centered practice.

Licensure & Certifications

• Must maintain active New Mexico clinical license in good standing.
• Must complete annual continuing education requirements.
• Must complete background check and any Tribal clearance requirements.
• Must maintain CPR/First Aid certification (if agency-required).

Work Environment:

• Work occurs in office, school, community, and home settings.
• Requires travel to Pueblo communities; reliable transportation is required.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours for community events or crisis response.