Counselor / Therapist

Pyramid Healthcare•Altoona, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Pyramid Healthcare is seeking a compassionate Outpatient Counselor to provide behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder treatment at its Altoona Outpatient program. The program offers a supportive therapeutic environment where clients can build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and pursue lasting recovery. The counselor provides clinical services in accordance with program standards, ASAM criteria, and Pyramid Healthcare’s clinical philosophy, while maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation. The role includes conducting assessments; providing individual, group, psychoeducational, and family counseling; developing and updating individualized treatment plans; monitoring progress with the multidisciplinary team; supporting utilization reviews and insurance authorizations; and providing ongoing case management. The counselor also helps with crisis intervention, aftercare and discharge planning, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and program operations. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed education, credential, and experience pathways: a master’s degree in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health field with a master’s-level license (LPC, LSW, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent) or CAADC certification; a relevant master’s degree while actively working toward master’s-level licensure or CAADC certification; a bachelor’s degree with CADC certification or active pursuit of CADC and at least one year of qualifying clinical experience; an associate’s degree with CAAC certification or active pursuit of CAAC and at least two years of qualifying clinical experience; a high school diploma or GED with CAAC certification; or a current Pennsylvania Registered Nurse license, a degree from an accredited nursing program, and at least one year of qualifying clinical experience.
Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills.
Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and evidence-based treatment practices.
Understanding of HIPAA, CARF standards, and Pennsylvania behavioral health regulations.
Ability to build therapeutic relationships with clients and families.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage crisis situations effectively.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Successful completion of a criminal background check, drug screening, and any required state-mandated clearances is required for selected candidates.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment.
Experience in addiction counseling.
Experience in co-occurring mental health treatment.
Experience in inpatient behavioral health services.
Experience providing individual, group, and family counseling.
Experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Experience with trauma-informed care.
Experience with relapse prevention planning.
Experience with case management and discharge planning.
Experience with utilization review and insurance coordination.

Responsibilities

Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and evaluate clients’ behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social, and recovery needs.
Facilitate individual counseling, group therapy, psychoeducational groups, and family counseling.
Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.
Monitor client progress and collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
Conduct Level of Care Assessments as required.
Assist clients with aftercare and discharge plans that support long-term recovery.
Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts when necessary.
Maintain accurate and timely electronic clinical records and treatment documentation.
Complete utilization reviews and insurance authorizations as required.
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, CARF, ASAM, and state regulatory standards.
Participate in outcome tracking and quality improvement initiatives.
Maintain organized and compliant client files.
Attend shift-change meetings, supervision sessions, and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other clinical staff to support high-quality client care.
Participate in program development, curriculum enhancement, and ongoing training initiatives.
Provide program coverage and support operational needs as directed by leadership.