Counselor-Behavioral Health MS Senior Licensed

IU Health•Indianapolis, IN

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Counselor - MS Senior (Licensed) provides individual, group, and family counseling, along with comprehensive psychosocial assessments and discharge planning within the Neuroscience Center. This role involves collaborating with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure safe, timely, and effective patient care. The Counselor also serves as a clinical leader, supervising interns and license-eligible staff, and acting as a liaison with protective services and community agencies in cases of abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.

Requirements

Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related mental health field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: 5-7 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community-based experience post-Master’s Degree.
Licensure: Current Indiana license in one of the following: o LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCAC, or HSPP.
Certifications: o Crisis intervention certification required within 90 days of hire. o BLS certification required within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge & Skills: o Psychosocial assessment, therapeutic counseling, and crisis intervention expertise. o Knowledge of evidence-based practices such as CBT, MI, and DBT. o Familiarity with state and county protective legal mandates. o Understanding of growth and development principles across the lifespan, including end-of-life care. o Ability to create a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct on daily activities and programming. o Basic proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). o Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct face-to-face (or telehealth) individual, group, and family counseling sessions.
Perform utilization review and discharge planning to support safe patient transitions.
Collaborate with all team members to facilitate effective care and ensure patients and families receive education and resources.
Interpret complex patient and family needs; model caring practices for other caregivers.
Assess psychosocial risk factors, including prior functioning, support systems, reactions to illness, and coping skills.
Counsel patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial impacts of illness or disability.
Access and mobilize community and family resources to meet patient needs.
Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral.
Lead complex discharge planning, including crisis intervention and addiction assessments, with recommendations for community resources or psychiatric referrals.
Serve as the primary point person for cases involving child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence.
Act as liaison between Indiana University Health and local protective agencies (APS/CPS).
Utilize principles and techniques of crisis intervention and de-escalation to support individuals in acute crises.
Provide intervention in guardianship, foster care, adoption, and mental health Level II placements.
Lead and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s level interns during practicum placements.
Provide clinical supervision to license-eligible staff (LSW, LMHC-A, LMFT-A).
Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment through instruction and intervention.
Develop and sustain strong relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and other stakeholders.