Counselor for Children & Families

Unity Care NW•Bellingham, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Unity Care NW is seeking a full-time Counselor for Children & Families to provide outpatient, comprehensive Behavioral Health (BH) assessment and counseling services to children and families at UCNW clinics and at a select school in the Bellingham School District. This role is crucial in ensuring mental and emotional health is an integral part of overall health and wellness, with providers working closely with patients and their Primary Care Providers to achieve health care goals.

Requirements

Independently licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist in Washington State (or be eligible to obtain an independent license in Washington).
Meets the definition of a Children's Mental Health Specialist (CMHS) in Washington State RCW 71.34.020.
Possesses a Washington State Driver's License.
Has a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (can get certified upon hire).
Has 2 years of direct clinical experience, preferably in community health or community mental health.
Able to be fingerprinted & pass an FBI background check as required by WA State Law (RCW 28A.400.303) prior to unsupervised work with children in Bellingham schools.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of state mental health system functions, requirements, and changes, or proven ability to gain this knowledge.
Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of the full range of behavioral health disorders and familiarity with use of psychotropic medications.
Knowledge of the local community and private behavioral health and human services resources.
Knowledge of how chronic medical issues and behavioral health interplay.
Able to perform behavioral health assessments, clinical documentation and report writing.
Skilled in counseling techniques including short term treatment and crisis intervention for specific populations.
Knowledgeable, experienced &, where applicable, certified in a variety of treatment modalities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word & Excel as well as telehealth software.
Ability to learn and use our Electronic Health Record system, payroll system, instant messaging software & online training systems.

Responsibilities

Diagnoses patients by assessing referred patients to determine mental health diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria.
Treats patients by assessing for disorders, coordinating treatment plans with other providers, directing patients to appropriate services (psychiatry, case management), and communicating care transfers or cessations.
Provides consultation and education to patients, parents, caregivers, teachers, and other stakeholders regarding ongoing care.
Maintains a caseload of patients by collaborating on scheduling, session length, and frequency; managing cases through treatment goals and timely discharges; tracking patient engagement and providing outreach; and meeting productivity requirements.

Benefits

Medical, dental & vision insurance
401(K) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
6 paid holidays
Paid Time Off (160 hours Year 1, 208 hours Year 2 & increasing again at Year 5 & Year 10)
Continuing Education Reimbursement of license renewal fees
Other paid leaves including: Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow & Organ Transplant
Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
Optional insurances including: Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Travel & Identity Theft Protection
Flexible spending accounts
Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Alternative Transportation Incentives
Healthy Living reimbursements
Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services