Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Counselor provides therapeutic mental health services to individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. This role supports patient recovery through assessment, counseling interventions, treatment planning, and coordination of care within a multidisciplinary mental health team. The Counselor promotes emotional wellness, coping skills development, and improved functioning in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Conduct psychosocial assessments and gather relevant patient history. 
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and clinical teams.
• Establish measurable treatment goals aligned with recovery-oriented care. 
• Regularly review and update treatment plans based on patient progress. 

2. Therapeutic Counseling Services

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions as assigned. 
• Utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches appropriate to patient needs. 
• Support patients in developing coping strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. 
• Address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges. 

3. Patient Support & Crisis Intervention

• Monitor patient progress and behavioral changes. 
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when necessary. 
• Assist patients in developing safety plans and relapse prevention strategies. 
• Promote patient engagement and participation in treatment programs. 

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation. 
• Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and required reports according to regulatory standards. 
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, organizational policies, and clinical guidelines. 
• Participate in audits and quality assurance processes as required. 

5. Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, peer specialists, and other healthcare professionals. 
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings. 
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up services as appropriate. 
• Communicate patient progress and concerns to supervising clinicians. 

6. Ethical Practice & Professional Development

• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical clinical practice. 
• Follow trauma-informed and culturally competent care principles. 
• Participate in supervision, training, and continuing education activities. 
• Stay current with mental health best practices and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioral health field preferred (or as required by state regulations). 
• Licensed or license-eligible mental health professional preferred (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LGPC, LMSW depending on state requirements).
• Experience in mental health or behavioral health settings preferred. 

Skills & Competencies

• Strong therapeutic communication and counseling skills 
• Knowledge of evidence-based treatment modalities 
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills 
• Documentation and organizational skills 
• Cultural competence and empathy 
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work performed in inpatient, outpatient, residential, or community-based mental health settings.
• Requires extended periods of sitting, documentation, and patient interaction. 
• May involve evening or weekend scheduling based on program needs. 
• Exposure to emotionally challenging situations requiring professional resilience.