Behavioral Health Counselor MS

IU Health•Bloomington, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital is seeking a compassionate and skilled Master’s Level Counselor with experience in behavioral health to provide direct therapeutic services, discharge planning, and crisis intervention. This role involves face-to-face interactions with patients and families, collaboration with healthcare teams, and supporting patients through complex psychosocial challenges.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related mental health field from an accredited institution required.
Candidates must be license-eligible in Indiana as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or LCAC.
A minimum of a permanent LSW, LMHC-A, or LMFT-A is required upon hire.
Candidates with a BSW must obtain an LBSW license. They can be considered if they acquire a 12-month temporary license prior to start date, which makes them compliant until passing the licensing exam. We recommend obtaining the temporary license within one week prior to employment.
Crisis intervention certification may be required.
BLS certification may be required.
Evidence-based practices such as CBT, MI, DBT
Knowledge of the disease process, human behavior, and social needs
Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
Legal mandates related to child and adult protective services (state and county)
Ability to create a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct daily activities and programming
Basic proficiency in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong relationship-building skills with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare teams
Connecting to IU Health’s mission, vision, and values by demonstrating purpose, excellence, compassion, and teamwork
Building rapport and providing exemplary customer service
Clear, concise, and professional communication—both oral and written
Effectively addressing problems and delivering high-quality work on time
Adapting to changing priorities and organizational needs
Upholding confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, demonstrating ethical practice

Nice To Haves

0-3 years relevant healthcare, mental health, or community-based experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitate patient involvement in treatment and education within a supportive environment
Conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions
Perform all functions related to utilization review and discharge planning, ensuring safe and effective care transitions
Collaborate with all members of the healthcare team to ensure timely delivery of services, resources, and education for patients and families
Interpret and communicate complex patient and family needs, modeling caring and professional practices to other caregivers
Assess patients’ and families’ psychosocial risk factors by evaluating prior functioning, support systems, reactions to illness, and coping abilities
Counsel patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial impacts of health conditions or disabilities
Access and mobilize community and family resources to meet patient needs
Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral
Serve as the point person for cases involving child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence
Act as a liaison between IU Health and local protective services (APS/CPS)
Provide crisis intervention and support during acute situations, including de-escalation techniques
Support complex discharge planning and care coordination
Provide specialized mental health services, including crisis and addiction assessments, with appropriate referrals for psychiatric or community resources
Lead interventions in guardianship, foster care, adoption, and mental health placements