Counselor I

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health•Hampstead, NH

About The Position

The Counselor at Hampstead establishes therapeutic relationships with assigned patients and helps maintain the therapeutic environment in the Psychiatric Unit. The role provides basic-to-complex patient care services, with independence increasing through experience and skill. The Counselor provides patient-centered, resiliency- and recovery-oriented care, primarily focused on patients’ health and safety, and supports patients as they progress toward treatment goals. The Counselor facilitates therapeutic groups and patient education, assists patients with daily living, contributes to a safe and orderly milieu, and collaborates with professional treatment staff. The role also maintains accurate medical records and documentation in accordance with applicable Joint Commission, State Licensing, and Medicare standards, and promotes a non-punitive culture of patient safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, with major study in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral science area.
Three years of experience in social work, clinical mental health counseling, or a related field in a psychiatric inpatient or clinical environment.
Each additional year of approved formal education may substitute for one year of required work experience.
Each additional year of approved work experience may substitute for one year of required formal education.

Nice To Haves

License or eligibility for licensure through reciprocity as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire.
Experience providing clinical services within the mental health service delivery system.
Familiarity with computer applications such as email, basic word processing, and database input.

Responsibilities

Create and implement therapeutic plans and relationships with assigned patients, and ensure treatment plans are followed so patients can progress toward their goals.
Provide patient-centered care that is resiliency- and recovery-oriented, with a primary focus on patients’ health and safety.
Conduct patient group sessions and patient education reflecting treatment plans and goals; facilitate daily therapeutic activity groups and ensure follow-up with appropriate clinical and support staff.
Assist patients with daily living and maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu and orderly work environment.
Participate in hospital safety training programs and meet with a Senior Counselor and Supervisor for ongoing mentoring, guidance, and supervision.
Use interventions consistent with current research and relevant to developmental, cultural, and disability-specific needs.
Maintain current knowledge in psychiatric care and apply a broad range of established therapeutic techniques.
Consult and communicate with professional treatment staff about treatment interventions, psychosocial and environmental influences, community resources, and transition-to-community needs.
Update and maintain accurate medical records and other documentation in accordance with applicable Joint Commission, State Licensing, and Medicare standards.
Follow program and departmental policies and procedures and discipline-specific standards for psychosocial assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, forms, and reports.
Promote a non-punitive hospital culture of patient safety and observe and report significant events or concerns to the Senior Counselor, Charge Nurse, or Milieu Supervisor.