Behavioral Health Counselor

Open Health Care Clinic•Baton Rouge, LA

11d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Counselor works to improve the quality of life for people with HIV by reducing psychological burdens related to their disorders. The Counselor conducts client assessments, implements therapeutic strategies, completes individual service plans, educates clients about medication, and makes referrals as needed. The role provides diagnostic evaluations and treatment to patients eligible for grant-funded services, including comprehensive assessments, biopsychosocial documentation, therapeutic services, crisis intervention, and behavioral health care coordination. The Counselor collaborates with medical providers, social service agencies, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams to plan and implement services, advocate for clients, and coordinate referrals. The Counselor maintains confidential records, completes reports, attends required meetings and training, contributes to program policies and referral networks, and supports assessment and planning for possible implementation of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. Louisiana state licensure and BLS for healthcare providers are required. The position may involve driving during the workday and local or out-of-state travel.

Requirements

Maintain Louisiana state licensure to provide mental health services: LCSW, LMSW, LPC, PLPC, or LMFT.
BLS for healthcare providers is required.
Knowledge and experience with evidence-based practices, including a trauma-informed care framework.
At least one year of paid post-degree clinical experience providing mental health and substance use disorder services is preferred.
Knowledge and experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is preferred.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of paid post-degree clinical experience providing mental health and substance use disorder services.
Knowledge and experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

Meet professional, ethical, and applicable legislative standards; demonstrate cultural competency and commitment to patients.
Maintain weekly scheduled appointments in electronic records systems.
Conduct diagnostic evaluations, assign appropriate DSM and ICD diagnoses, and provide treatment to patients eligible for grant-funded services.
Complete required documentation, including biopsychosocial assessments, and assess client needs using observations, tests, surveys, interviews, and other methods.
Collaborate and consult with medical providers, social service agencies, and city, state, and federal funding and placement agencies; present clinical findings and recommendations orally and in writing.
Address referrals from external partners, providers, and internal departments, including through warm hand-offs.
Participate in case conferences to assess needs and coordinate services.
Provide therapeutic services to patients and their families.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members on timely treatment planning and implementation.
Develop individualized service plans with clients, including specific goals and objectives that may address housing, child care, or vocational training.
Provide and follow up on community-service referrals, advocate for clients, and problem-solve with community agencies.
Coordinate all aspects of behavioral health care management.
Maintain confidential client records and files and prepare required reports.
Assist with crisis intervention as needed.
Attend mandatory meetings and trainings assigned by the supervisor.
Collaborate with team members and leadership on writing or reviewing program and departmental policies and procedures as needed.
Help enhance the referral network according to clinic protocols.
Assess, train, and plan for possible implementation of a MAT program.
Maintain continuing education credits as required by the applicable licensing body.