Clinical Counselor 2

Clinical Counselor

Location: Linville, North Carolina | PRN | Variable Shifts

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Clinical Counselor at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll provide compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. You'll play a key role in assessing, planning, and delivering therapeutic services that promote emotional healing, safety, and long-term well-being for patients and their families. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

• Compensation: Starting pay begins at $28.67 per hour, with competitive rates based on experience, education, and licensure.
• Schedule: Full-time, variable shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.

What You'll Do as a Clinical Counselor

• Provide therapeutic counseling and behavioral health services to patients and families in accordance with established treatment plans.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, formulate diagnoses, and develop individualized treatment goals.
• Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and contribute to care planning.
• Coordinate care with other hospital departments, community agencies, and external providers.
• Conduct safety checks, intake evaluations, and discharge planning as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulatory and hospital standards.
• Demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and adherence to UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values.

Qualifications

Education: Clinical Counselor I (QMHP Qualified Mental Health Professional)

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field with 2 years of related experience, or
• Bachelor's degree in a non-Human Services field with 4 years of related experience.

Clinical Counselor II

• Master's degree in a Human Services field; Provisional or Associate license required (LCSW-A).
• Full licensure must be obtained within 4 years to advance to Clinical Counselor III.

Clinical Counselor III

• Master's degree or PhD in a Human Services field with full licensure (LPC, LPA, LMFT, LCAS, LCSW).

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant behavioral health experience preferred.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at hire.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong therapeutic and assessment skills with the ability to develop individualized care plans.
• Knowledge of treatment approaches for adult and geriatric populations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, and team members.
• Ability to manage crisis situations with professionalism and composure.
• Commitment to ethics, patient confidentiality, and high-quality care.

Physical & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, and patient interaction exceeding 8 hours per shift.
• Lift, push, pull, or transfer up to and over 50 lbs.
• Exposure to patients in behavioral health settings and potential risk of bloodborne pathogens.
• May work irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Requires strong visual acuity and manual dexterity for documentation and therapeutic interventions.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Access ongoing professional development, clinical supervision, and continuing education opportunities.
• Impactful Work: Provide critical behavioral health support that helps patients and families achieve stability, resilience, and recovery.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone, North Carolina offers a vibrant mountain community, exceptional quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation consistently ranked among the best small towns in America by Forbes and Southern Living.
• Inclusive Culture: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion fostering a respectful and empowering workplace for all.

Ready to make a lasting impact in behavioral health? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and help us provide compassionate, patient-centered care that strengthens our community.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System