Mental Health Counselor (LSW/LPC)

JOB SUMMARY:
The Mental Health Counselor provides outpatient mental health counseling to patients within the Behavioral Health Department under the direction of a clinical supervisor.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Master’s Degree in Related Field

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Illinois upon hire or Licensed Professional Counselor Illinois upon hire.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Combination of education and experience providing providing therapy in a clinical setting. Prior experience and knowledge of best practice for treating mental health disorders.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Strong communication and listening skills. Strong documentation skills. Knowledge and competence utilizing a variety of counseling techniques and interventions. Understanding of current DSM diagnostic criteria, best practices for treatment. Ability to develop appropriate intervention and treatment plans for patients. Comfort working with patients from a variety of backgrounds and presenting problems. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a clinical setting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide mental health counseling to patients and their families through individual and/or group settings.

• Performs mental health evaluations, including assessing need for ongoing counseling or other services.
• Provides counseling to patients, using techniques and interventions appropriate to the patient’s needs.
• Works with patient to develop treatment plan, including specific goals and objectives to be addressed in session
• Completes appropriate documentation in medical record within timeframes established by departmental policy.
• Identify concerns and make referrals to other treatments as needed.
• Provides communication back to referring providers about patient diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress as appropriate
• Maintains patient confidentiality and fulfills provider responsibilities as specified under HIPAA, the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.