Counselor I

Dartmouth 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 progressively basic-to-complex patient care services, with increasing independence as experience and skill grow. The Counselor provides patient-centered care that is resiliency- and recovery-oriented, with a primary focus on patients’ health and safety, and works with patients and treatment staff to support progress toward treatment goals.

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.
Familiarity with computer applications such as email, basic word processing, and database input.

Nice To Haves

A 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.

Responsibilities

Create and implement therapeutic plans and relationships with assigned patients, and ensure treatment plans are followed appropriately to support progress toward patient goals.
Provide patient-centered, resiliency- and recovery-oriented care focused on patients’ health and safety.
Conduct patient group sessions and patient education that reflect treatment plans and goals; facilitate daily therapeutic activity groups and follow up with appropriate clinical and support staff.
Assist patients with activities of 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, with work becoming more complex and independent as knowledge, training, and experience increase.
Consult and communicate with professional treatment staff regarding treatment interventions, psychosocial and environmental influences, community resources, and needs for transition to the community.
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, and other required forms and reports.
Promote a non-punitive hospital culture of patient safety and report significant events or concerns to the Senior Counselor, Charge Nurse, or Milieu Supervisor.