Mental Health Counselor (51796)

Position Summary The Mental Health Counselor will plan and coordinate clinical activities related to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services. Responsibilities include delivering individual, group, and family counseling; completing documentation such as Individual Treatment/Service Plans, psychosocial assessments, daily notes, and monthly reviews; participating in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings; monitoring treatment throughout client care; establishing discharge planning parameters; conducting crisis intervention and de‑escalation; and developing an approved curriculum for group and individual counseling. Essential Job Functions Utilize counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate and treat emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective. Conduct client screening and assessment, and develop and implement treatment plans based on the client’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. Maintain a secure distance‑delivery system that ensures client informed consent, confidentiality, and safety. Follow all laws, statutes, regulations, and standards applicable to comparable on‑site services when delivering distance‑based services. Assess need and make decisions regarding the delivery of appropriate individual, group, and family counseling. Conduct interviews and assess potential clients to determine need and appropriateness for program participation and referrals. Analyze situations and take necessary actions to provide crisis intervention; interpret and implement WestCare procedures regarding crisis intervention as appropriate. Provide direct counseling services to clients. Monitor and assess client behavior. Create Individual Treatment/Service Plans. Report any unusual incidents to the Program Director, Regional Vice President, or regulatory agency. Participate in decisions to refer clients for ancillary services such as family support groups or continuing care groups. Complete documentation required for clinical records and other reports as assigned. Attend all interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and establish parameters for discharge planning. Maintain regular and consistent attendance to ensure continuity of counseling services to clients. Follow all WestCare policies and procedures. Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation. Perform all other duties as assigned. Qualifications Maintain the highest ethical and professional standards toward clients and employees. Avoid all dual relationships with clients in any personal, financial, business, social, or sexual context. Meet all state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines in the provision of client services. Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Demonstrate compassion, empathy, and a non‑judgmental approach toward individuals with substance use disorders. Show high level of initiative and leadership. Pass a DCF Level II background check. Remain compliant with any new requirements, including vaccinations, as directed by Human Resources or relevant personnel. Education and/Experience Two (2) years of experience working in substance abuse, mental health, or related fields is highly desirable. Master’s degree from an accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field is required. Licensure/Certification Minimum of LCSW or LMHC Registered Intern required. Fully licensed LCSW or LMHC in good standing with an agency approved and recognized by the state of Florida is preferred. Working Conditions Indoor and outdoor settings. Group and/or individual counseling sessions. Direct contact with clients of all ages and levels of functioning. Fast‑paced environment with potential for high noise levels at times. Minimum of 40 hours per week are expected; significantly more hours may be required from time to time, including before and after normal working hours. Regular attendance is required; ability to work as many hours as necessary to complete job tasks is essential. Equal Opportunity Statement WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment drug test, pre‑employment physical, and criminal background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr WestCare Inc