Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Supportive Counselor

RESPONSIBLE TO: Clinical Director

WORK AREA: Outpatient sites and Community

Summary:

The Supportive Counselor provides behavioral health supportive counseling services to individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs. This position focuses on stabilization, coping, and skill-building, assisting clients in managing daily stressors, maintaining recovery, and accessing community support. The Supportive Counselor works under the supervision of a licensed clinician and delivers services consistent with the client’s individualized treatment plan.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide individual and/or group supportive counseling focused on coping skills, psychosocial support, relapse prevention, and daily living stabilization.
• Assistclients in  identifyingstrengths and resources to improve independence and functioning.
• Support clients in navigating systems such as housing, employment, education, healthcare, and community resources.
• Facilitatedevelopmentof problem-solving, communication, and self-advocacy skills.
• Provide motivational support to encourage engagement in treatment, compliance with probation/court requirements, or recovery programs.
• Document services in compliance with WV Medicaid and agency standards, ensuring progress notes reflect goals, interventions, and client response.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, case managers, peer recovery specialists, and community partners to ensure coordinated care.
• Participate in treatment team meetings andstaffingsasrequired.
• Adhere to all agency, state, and federal guidelinesregarding confidentiality, ethics, and professional practice.

Education & Requirements

• Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED with documented behavioral health work experience and specialized training, or
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’sdegree ina humanservices field (psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, or related).

• Experience:

• At least 1 year of direct client service in behavioral health, substance use treatment, orsocial services preferred.

• Training:

• Must complete required agency and Medicaidtrainings, including crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and documentation standards.

• Supervision:

• Must work under the supervision of a licensed clinician (LPC, LICSW, LMFT, Psychologist).

• Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (if community-based services arerequired).
• Ability to pass state background checks andmaintaincompliance with WV Medicaidstaffcredential requirements.

Core Competencies

• Strong communicationand interpersonal skills.
• Empathy, patience, and ability tomaintainprofessional boundaries.
• Knowledge of community resources and recoverysupports.
• Ability to manage documentation requirements accurately and on time.
• Commitment to teamwork and person-centered care