Mental Health Counselor

Compass Community Health•Portsmouth, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Counselor conducts diagnostic assessments, determines whether patients are appropriate for services, and provides direct treatment, including individual counseling and ongoing therapy. The counselor develops and monitors treatment plans, documents patient activity and services, and provides case management and community-resource linkage. The role collaborates with clinical and multidisciplinary teams, physicians, families, schools, and other professionals as appropriate. It also supports coordinated care, quality improvement, accurate health records, patient confidentiality, and compliance with applicable legal, ethical, accreditation, safety, and organizational standards. The position is based at the 11th Street Clinic in Compass Community Health and reports to the Chief Clinical Officer.

Requirements

Degree in Behavioral Science or a related field.
Valid Ohio motor vehicle license and ability to maintain insurability.
Maintain CPR/First Aid training.
Maintain applicable agency trainings.
Knowledge of clinical practice, diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and counseling interventions.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, sound judgment and decision-making, and ability to manage tasks efficiently.
Ability to complete required documentation in accordance with agency policy.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and public and private resources pertaining to counseling services.
Ability to work collaboratively, resolve conflicts, and support professional working relationships consistent with organizational policies and best practices.

Nice To Haves

Active LISW licensure is preferred; candidates seeking a telemedicine delivery method are of strong interest. LSW, LPC, and LPCC are also considered.
Prior counseling experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct diagnostic assessments, gather information about patients’ strengths and needs, and determine appropriateness for services.
Provide intensive individual counseling and ongoing therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and young adults; monitor the course of treatment and ensure treatment plans meet patient needs.
Develop treatment plans and complete required clinical documentation, correspondence, progress notes, service reports, and billing documentation.
Provide input to treatment teams and consult with clinical staff and the Medical Director about treatment plans and patient progress.
Provide case management, community linkage, and resource development for patients.
Ensure services and operational processes meet legal, ethical, professional, accreditation, and organizational standards and policies.
Complete periodic competency testing and maintain required training to support quality clinical care.
Promote a safe environment by following safety policies and participating in safety education and drills.
Conduct psychological, cognitive, and educational evaluations; provide feedback to multidisciplinary staff and families when permitted by applicable licensure.
Participate in consultation and collaborative meetings with physicians, therapists, school personnel, and other professionals.
Maintain accurate records, use the electronic health record to retrieve information and document care, and safeguard confidentiality under 42 CFR and HIPAA.
Follow applicable drug laws and infection-control protocols; demonstrate confidentiality and appropriately represent the program.
Collect client and community information, provide accurate information about program services, and participate in care-team huddles when requested.
Study relevant legislation and advise management on needed actions.
Develop positive working relationships with patients, families, providers, and colleagues; explain team roles and facilitate authorized information exchange and collaborative care.
Assess patients’ family and social support systems; support access to complementary and alternative health and wellness services; provide information and guidance to caregivers.
Establish and pursue individual and team improvement goals; participate in Patient Centered Medical Home meetings, quality improvement activities, data collection, outcomes review, audits, and program evaluation.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including communicating effectively, handling or operating tools and equipment, reaching, bending, and occasionally standing, sitting, moving, or lifting up to 25 pounds.