About the position
The Mental Health Counselor II position at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital involves facilitating therapeutic group activities, managing problem behaviors, and providing input into programming. The counselor will assist in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu, ensuring a safe environment for all patients. Responsibilities include responding to emergencies, orienting patients and families, and serving as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. The counselor will utilize therapeutic communication techniques during patient assessments and interventions, perform patient education, and conduct suicide risk assessments. Additionally, the role requires participation in continuous education programs and orientation of new staff members.
Responsibilities
- Facilitates therapeutic group activities using curative factors to develop group cohesion.
- Manages problem behaviors in group settings.
- Provides input into programming.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic milieu.
- Responds to emergencies and manages violent patients.
- Utilizes progressive containment skills and maintains fall precautions.
- Orientates patients and families to the unit.
- Communicates patient requests to the RN in a timely manner.
- Serves as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Synthesizes assessment data to develop treatment plans.
- Utilizes therapeutic communication techniques during patient assessments.
- Performs patient education and suicide risk assessments.
- Communicates with patients, families, and health professionals positively.
- Maintains patient confidentiality.
- Participates in inservices and continuous education programs.
- Administers or assists patients with physical care.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field.
- 1 year psychiatric experience; 2 years or more of additional related hospital experience.
- Knowledge of normal growth and development issues.
- Therapeutic communication skills for individuals and groups.
- Proficient use of patient care equipment and computer.
- CPR certification per hospital policy.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working with a variety of age groups.
- Knowledge of techniques to manage violent patients.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off programs.
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match.
- Educational Assistance Program.
