Associate Counselor - Outpatient

Summit BHC•Lancaster, OH

About The Position

The Associate Counselor provides supervised treatment and support to assist clients in recovery from addictions, including alcoholism and drug addiction, or mental health disorders. The role assists with modifying problem behaviors and may provide counseling services to clients’ families. The position cannot practice independently and requires at least weekly supervision oversight for all areas of clinical training practice, in alignment with state standards. The counselor conducts client assessments, participates in treatment planning and progress reviews, leads assigned counseling sessions using evidence-supported modalities, and provides education to clients and families. The role also includes maintaining timely and clear documentation, providing crisis intervention as needed, planning aftercare, liaising with insurance carriers when requested, and providing case management to ensure individualized quality care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social or mental health services, or a closely related field.
No prior professional work experience is required.
Must not practice independently; requires at least weekly supervision oversight for all areas of clinical training practice in accordance with state standards.
Eligible for entry-level licensure or certification recognized by the state of practice; the credential has not yet been obtained due to supervised work-experience requirements or state rules permitting unlicensed professional work.
CPR and de-escalation certification required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

First aid may be required depending on the state or facility.

Responsibilities

Conduct supervised client assessments addressing history, current presentation, problem areas, ongoing clinical need, and risk.
Participate in treatment planning and treatment plan progress reviews under clinical supervision, and document as required.
Conduct assigned group counseling, individual sessions, or family sessions under supervision; implement assigned evidence-supported treatment modalities and document as required.
Provide education to clients and families about substance abuse and psychiatric problems under supervision.
Complete documentation regarding client care, treatment, and incidents accurately and promptly, including the assigned supervisor’s co-signature.
Provide crisis intervention as needed and seek consultation and supervision when appropriate.
Plan and complete required aftercare documentation for assigned clients.
Act as a liaison with insurance carriers when requested.
Provide case management duties to ensure individualized quality care.