Child Mental Health Counselor

Baystate Health • Holyoke, MA

1d • $27 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, the counselor performs a wide range of functions related to the care and treatment of patients in the Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program. This includes participating in a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care, providing a safe and therapeutic environment, and documentation. The role requires knowledge of developmental stages and the application of developmental theories and concepts when planning and implementing activities. As a Counselor II, the individual will assist in onboarding and precepting new counseling staff and participate in additional Baystate and program initiatives. The counselor is expected to adhere to system and department compliance policies, and all applicable laws and regulations. This description covers the essential functions of the position, and the counselor is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Management reserves the right to change or add to the job responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (required)
• Masters Degree (Required)
• Basic Life Support - American Heart Association
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Other
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Other
• Licensed Professional Counselor - Other
• Licensed Psychologist - State of Massachusetts
• Licensed Social Worker - State of Massachusetts

Nice To Haves

• 1 year experience with working with children (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Participates in Multidisciplinary Team approach to patient care, understanding admission and progress notes of team members to develop a better understanding of patients.
• Collaborates with the team in evaluating patients, planning therapy, and developing treatment goals.
• Attends weekly treatment meetings and participates in discussions on how patients are meeting their treatment goals.
• Reports observations of patients’ status to the team and provides input in the preparation and updating of the treatment plans.
• Assists team members in providing care to patients and follows through with team decisions.
• Demonstrates effective use of behavior management principles and Collaborative Problem Solving techniques.
• Provides a safe environment, will be PMT – Physical/Psychological Management Trained within 30 days of hire.
• Intervenes appropriately during crisis situations by providing direct and indirect support to patients needing restraint and/or seclusion.
• Maintains safety by adhering to behavior management principles and techniques.
• Conducts daily sharps checks on patients upon arrival to the program and when indicated by the team.
• Observes potential safety hazards on the unit and report hazards immediately to supervisors.
• Documents patient mental status, social behavior, and progress towards identifying goals daily.
• Documents the ongoing assessments of patients including safety, treatment objectives, and other necessary information, via EMR as dictated by policy and procedure.
• Documents restraints and seclusions in accordance with policies.
• Demonstrates support for the programs philosophy and adhering to policies, procedures and standards.
• Assesses patient mental status, social and symptomatic behavior throughout the course of treatment.
• Counsels patients with empathy and respect to assist them in accomplishing treatment goals as established by patient, family members, clinical treatment team, and outpatient providers.
• Identifies group topics in accordance with patient goals, instructing the group based on appropriate developmental stages, applying developmental theories and concepts when planning and implementing activities.
• Identifies patient knowledge deficits and implements appropriate teaching in collaboration with the team.
• Assists in the development and implementation of special approaches and provides 1:1 intervention when indicated.
• Adheres to defined boundaries and guidelines regarding self-disclosure with patients.
• Demonstrates adequate understanding and use of Trauma Informed Care principles, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
• Refers patients’ physical problems to RN for assessment and intervention.
• Demonstrates accountability for personal and professional growth.
• Attends all mandatory in-services on an annual basis.
• Collaborates with supervisors to identify their own professional goals and seeks experience to accomplish these goals.
• Assists with the identification of program in-service needs.
• Counselor II will support program development in collaboration with the behavioral health clinician and program supervisors, providing new ideas for groups and unit activities, as well as facilitate and lead groups and unit activities.
• Counselor II, in accordance with JCAHO regulations, will help develop and update yearly counselor competencies based on age and development.
• Must complete department specified de-escalation training within 30 days of hire.

Benefits

• High-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous PTO – up to 25 days in the first year, with scheduled earned increases
• Continuing education support and reimbursement
• First Time Home Buyers Financial Packages
• Farm Share Memberships
• 403b retirement company match & annual company contribution increase based on years of service
• Free money coach advice from a certified professional
• Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health
• Adoption assistance
• Pet, home, auto and personal insurance
• Life insurance
• Work-life integration
• Reimbursement for a variety of wellbeing activities, included but limited to gym membership and equipment, personal trainer, massage and so much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level