Counselor for Children & Families

Unity Care NW•Bellingham, WA

53d•$82,056 - $117,395•Hybrid

About The Position

We believe mental & emotional health is an important part of overall health and wellness. Our behavioral health providers work closely with patients and their Primary Care Providers to help them meet their health care goals. As a Child & Family Counselor, you would 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.

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: Assesses patients referred to the Child and Family program to determine the patient’s mental health diagnosis, utilizing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria.
Treats patients: Assesses patients for disorders found within the DSM-5 as referred by the Primary Care Providers, PCBH/SBH therapists, Psychiatric team, Case Managers, and at schools, school personnel. Coordinates treatment plans related to management of behavioral health disorders with other treatment providers. Directs patients to appropriate additional services, including psychiatry and case management. Communicates and coordinates the transfer or cessation of care with other internal stakeholders. Works within the clinic and in designated school environments (if applicable).
Provides consultation and education to patients and necessary stakeholders: Provides consultation and input related to the ongoing care to: other internal providers, external providers, parents and caregivers, teachers, other necessary stakeholders.
Maintains a caseload of patients: Collaborates around and completes appropriate scheduling, session length, and session frequency for a full caseload of patients based on clinical assessment and need. Utilizes treatment goals and timely discharges to manage cases and maintains flow of referrals to serve the needs of the primary care patient population at UCNW. Maintains awareness and tracks patient engagement, providing appropriate outreach and encouraging full participation in clinical treatment. Meets productivity requirement.

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
Clinical supervision for all therapists
Opportunities for group collaboration
A competitive compensation package
A salaried position without the overhead and cost of running a private practice
Outpatient only with no call schedule
In-house case management
Malpractice insurance with tail coverage through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
Loan Repayment Application Opportunities
Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC Loan Repayment Program) and/or the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps).