Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Full Time

POSITION:   LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNESLOR (LPC)

DEPARTMENT: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH / IOP

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

Please read this job description carefully to ensure that you understand its contents, the job requirements, and expectations before signing this document.

JOB SUMMARY:
Provides comprehensive individual and/or group behavioral health services in an outpatient behavioral health clinic and/or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Delivers evidence-based assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions while working collaboratively with an integrated care team

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:
Responsible to: Behavioral Health / IOP Clinic Director
Positions Directly Supervised: None
Regular Contact with: All Rural Health personnel, Physicians, and the public.

MISSION STATEMENT:
As an integral part of our community, Franklin Medical Center’s mission is to provide the highest quality health care and customer satisfaction to all those we serve. We are committed to delivering compassionate, capable, and personalized treatment to our patients and their families, always keeping in mind that our responsibility is to the health needs of the people.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions of this position vary based on the setting, including outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic and/or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). While core competencies remain consistent, daily responsibilities, productivity expectations, and service delivery models differ by setting. The employee may be assigned to one or both programs based on organizational needs.

Essential Functions- Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic

1. Conduct thorough biopsychosocial assessments, including mental health, substance use, medical, family, social, educational, and occupational history
2. Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients, and when appropriate, family members
3. Review and update treatment plans at clinically appropriate intervals
4. Deliver high-quality individual psychotherapy to clients with varying acuity levels
5. Conduct suicide, self-harm, or violence risk assessments and provide timely crisis intervention
6. Facilitate referrals to specialty behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community resources
7. Facilitate referrals to higher levels of care

Essential Functions- Outpatient Intensive Program

1. Plan, prepare, and facilitate structured group therapy sessions, including psychoeducational, skills-based, process, and support groups
2. Use evidence-based interventions tailored to group needs
3. Monitor group dynamics and address individual and group-level challenges or conflicts effectively
4. Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans
5. Update treatment plans based on client progress and group participation
6. Conduct brief individual check-ins as clinically indicated to assess progress, provide support, and reinforce treatment goals
7. Perform crisis interventions for group members, including suicide or self-harm assessments and safety planning
8. Perform admission assessments for new clients entering the IOP

General Functions (Both Settings)

1. Collaborate with psychiatrists, case managers, primary care providers, and other mental health professionals to ensure continuity of care
2. Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation in the electronic health record consistent with payer, Medicaid/Medicare, and organizational standards
3. Maintain compliance with HIPAA, state licensing regulations, and organizational policies
4. Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives
5. Participate in community outreach and prevention initiatives
6. Adheres to all organizational infection prevention and control policies and procedures
7. All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field. Valid licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Louisiana.

Work Experience:
One (1) – two (2) years of clinical experience in behavioral health is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team
• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills
• Competence in culturally responsive and trauma-informed care
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Ability to read and write effectively
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively when completing several tasks at once
• Strong organizational skills
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and company information
• Strong customer service skills. Display a positive and welcoming attitude.
• Proficient with computers and ability to learn computer software

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods of being in a stationary position during therapy sessions, group facilitation, and documentation
• Frequent use of hands, wrists, and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment
• Frequent movement around the clinic to access therapy areas, office equipment, files, etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, families, and colleagues
• Occasionally position self, such as reaching, bending, stooping, etc. to access files, office equipment, etc.
• Ability to observe clients’ verbal and non-verbal cues, including body language, facial expressions, etc.
• Ability to read and review client records, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other documentation both on paper and on computer screens
• Ability to maintain focus and attention during client sessions, group therapy, and team meetings.
• Ability to manage high-acuity situations, respond to crises, and make rapid clinical decisions
• Emotional resilience to work with clients experiencing trauma, mental health crises, or high distress levels
• Occasionally move objects up to 15-20 pounds, such as therapy materials, client files, office supplies, or small equipment
• Occasionally push or pull objects, including wheelchairs, chairs, tables, therapy carts, portable equipment, etc. up to 20 pounds

OSHA EXPOSURE CATEGORY A:     
Has exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.