Mental Health Counselor, Adolescent

Eastern Connecticut Health Network • Manchester, CT

184d

About The Position

This position reports to the Clinical Coordinator of Child and Adolescent and the Director of Ambulatory Services. Responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, structured and therapeutic milieu, with age-specific behavioral management practices. This position requires some familiarity with psychiatric disorders, the willingness and ability to learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and age-appropriate behavior management techniques. Plans, implements and facilitates a variety of skill training and theme-specific psychoeducational groups; role models skills such as communication, negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution. Documents and communicates pertinent information to the Treatment Team. Contributes to creating a caring and compassionate environment through ECHN's Core Values of Teamwork, Communication, Respect and Caring.

Requirements

• High School degree or GED equivalent required.
• Associates or Bachelors in psychology or other human services field is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working with adolescents is required.
• Training and/or familiarity in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is desirable.
• Competent in the use of a personal computer and basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is preferred, but not required.
• Prior experience working with adolescents in the Behavioral Health field is considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the ability to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, as evidenced by proactively monitoring, close supervision of adolescents, implementing appropriate interventions that de-escalate behaviors.
• Demonstrates clinical perceptiveness, empathy and interpersonal warmth.
• Facilitates skill development through careful planning of DBT skills groups designed to improve the patient's level of functioning.
• Effectively uses psychological and physical management techniques to manage violent or potentially violent situations.
• Completes all documentation and filing of patient records within established timeframes.
• Identifies areas where additional assistance is needed and takes initiative in helping without being asked.
• Demonstrates a sound understanding of growth and development issues as well as current issues specific to adolescents.
• Demonstrates an understanding of learning disorders and flexibility in teaching methods.
• Provides and/or arranges for safe and timely transportation for adolescents.
• Demonstrates organizational skill and knowledge of specific transportation arrangements.
• Assures that snacks are ordered according to established protocol and adheres to budgetary guidelines.
• Contributes to meeting the fluctuating staffing needs of the department.

Benefits

• Generous Vacation that is front loaded based on budgeted hours.
• Sick Time on an accrual basis.
• 401(k)/Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/Employee Assistance Program/Voluntary Benefit Options.
• Tuition Reimbursement- eligible after 3 months of employment.
• Free Parking at all work sites.
• Perk Spots (Discounts at local retailers, restaurants, travel, and childcare centers).
• Career Growth within the organization via career ladders, committee involvement, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees