Mental Health Professional / Counselor

Masters degree in a behavioral social science field and actively and regularly receiving board approved supervision, and extended supervision by a fully licensed clinician if board’s supervision requirement is met but the individual is not yet licensed, to become licensed by one of the licensing boards listed in (A) through (F) below. The exemptions from licensure under 59 §1353 (4) (Supp. 2000) and (5), 59 §1903 (C) and (D) (Supp. 2000), 59 §1925.3 (B) (Supp. 2000) and (C), and 59 §1932 (C) (Supp. 2000) and (D) do not apply to Outpatient Behavioral Health Services.

(A)          Psychology,

(B)          Social Work (clinical specialty only),

(C)          Professional Counselor,

(D)          Marriage and Family Therapist,

(E)          Behavioral Practitioner, or

(F)           Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Certified Behavioral Health Case Management is recommended.

An expectation of core competencies in relation to individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Knowledge of the principles and tests, the application of psychological theories with respect to group and individual behavior; of mental illness, its symptoms, treatment and social implications in relation to patients and family.

Skill in diagnosing and developing treatment plans; evaluating a wide variety of clinical data; in carrying out courses of treatment; in counseling and guiding individuals; and in communicating clearly, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and/or psychology and of current social and economic problems.

Knowledge of case management, counseling and psychotherapy techniques for individuals, families and groups.

Knowledge of personality development and structure.

Knowledge of diagnostic formulations – current categories and psychotropic medication.

Knowledge of ability to interpret appropriate psychological testing reports.

Knowledge of general age groups and other special populations.

Skill to adapt to a variety of settings.

This position is responsible and held accountable for the following duties:

·      Must meet Agency standards of billable services and fiscal responsibility as designated by the County Administrator.

·      Case evaluation and assessment, individual and group counseling, and case management/rehabilitative services as needed.

·      Screening and crisis intervention in office as assigned.

·      Interviews clients on initial visit to clinic and obtains identifying information and information relevant to client complaint and makes appropriate referral or assignment to appropriate clinical services.

·      Responds to emergency calls from clients, provides crisis intervention, counseling, supportive counseling for referral to appropriate agency or therapist based on client needs. 

·      Provides the initial diagnostic impression and initial treatment planning.

·      Participates in diagnostic and evaluative staff meetings to discuss the diagnosis, etiology, treatment and disposition of patients.

·      Ensures the appropriate documentation and clinical records are maintained.

·      Provides psychological counseling and therapy to individuals, groups and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, chemical dependency, and adjustment difficulty and case management services as needed.

·      Provide consultation, education, presentations and public information for clinic community and region.

·      Participates in staff conferences designed to review social, medical, and psychological data for use in the placement, care and treatment of clients.

·      Consults with other agencies and professionals regarding clients, including day care centers, schools, court systems, health clinics, physicians, clergy, and other mental health professionals.

·      Completes all agency documentation of services in a thorough, accurate and timely manner.

·      Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job requirement.

·      Employee must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position (this may include transportation of clients).

·      Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as requested.

·      Participates in staff meetings.

·      Must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

·      Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job requirement.

·      Must meet “satisfactory” expectations at any scheduled job performance evaluation.

·      Quality of work will be evaluated through training, skill, or special purpose. Must be competent and adequate.

In addition, must possess skill in working cooperatively and effectively with clients, staff, management and other professional groups; in exercising mature judgement in dealing with people; in presenting ideas clearly and accurately; in reading and comprehending the English language; and in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.