Mental Health Counselor

Job Description Job Description Description: The Mental Health Clinician will provide comprehensive, high-quality clinical and school-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults served by APDS and its partners. This role integrates school-based social-emotional support, general outpatient mental health care, and community collaboration to promote academic success, emotional well-being, recovery, and long-term stability. The clinician will deliver assessments, intervention, treatment planning, and prevention services using evidence-based practices while working collaboratively with schools, families, courts, child-serving systems, and community partners. Duties/Responsibilities: School-Based Clinical & Student Support Services * Provide direct social-emotional and behavioral health services to students through individual and group interventions. * Conduct assessments to identify student needs and develop appropriate intervention and support plans. * Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school staff, and families to create supportive learning environments. * Participate in crisis intervention, case management, and referral services to internal and community-based resources. * Support student attendance, retention, and academic success through advocacy, monitoring, and resource coordination. * Participate in the development and implementation of IEPs and 504 Plans, as appropriate. * Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements. * Provide consultation and training to school staff related to social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and behavioral interventions. * All other duties as requested General Mental Health & Clinical Services * Conduct comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments, including readiness for change. * Develop individualized treatment and prevention plans aligned with identified clinical needs. * Facilitate individual and group counseling addressing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, anger/anxiety management, domestic violence behaviors, and trauma-related concerns. * Utilize evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and ASAM Criteria for substance use disorders. * Provide ongoing client advocacy and facilitate access to supportive resources that promote recovery, reintegration, and stability. * All other duties as requested Collaboration, Documentation & Program Support * Collaborate with internal APDS staff, AUS, National Center for Urban Solutions, Franklin County Courts, Franklin County Children Services, and other partners to ensure coordinated care. * Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records, treatment plans, progress notes, and required documentation in accordance with APDS standards. * Participate in data collection, reporting, quality assurance, and peer review activities. * Assist with program development, curriculum enhancement, and implementation of best practices across school-based and community services. Organizational & Professional Responsibilities * Maintain required productivity levels and complete all documentation within designated timeframes. * Provide professional, timely correspondence with authorized contacts regarding student and client progress. * Participate in scheduled supervision sessions, all-staff meetings, and assigned committees. * Participate in Quality Assurance and/or Peer Review sessions (weekly or monthly, as assigned). * Maintain compliance with all APDS/AUS and partner policies and procedures. * Complete a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of relevant training annually. * Support student/client retention strategies across programs. * Serve as a substitute facilitator in other APDS programs as qualified and requested. * Participate in and support APDS/AUS activities and community events. * All staff are required to maintain work schedules that adhere to APDS operating hours in order to meet client service needs * This includes, at minimum, one designated on-site workday per week through close of business * Requests for deviation from this requirement will not be approved. * Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements: * Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program OR Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or addiction counseling program. * Valid Ohio license through the CSWMFT Board: LSW or LISW OR · LPC or LPCC * Eligible for or currently holding an Ohio Department of Education Five-Year Pupil Services License or Registration (School Social Work). * Demonstrated experience working with children, adolescents, families, and/or justice-involved individuals. * Strong communication, collaboration, and clinical documentation skills. * Knowledge of trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practices, and integrated support systems. * Ability to meet background check and drug-free workplace requirements. Skills and Competencies * Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation. * Efficient use of computer word processing programs, email, and internet * Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications. * Demonstrates maturity and professionalism within interpersonal relationships * Effective independent time management and prioritization skills * Experience working at or collaborating with family centered organizations * Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and ethical decision-making. * Experience working within the criminal justice system or with justice-involved individuals.