Community Mental Health Counselor

Community Mental Health Counselor

Job Description

Agency Mission, Vision and Philosophy

Family Services of S. WI & N. IL Inc. is committed to restoring and enhancing lives in our community through advocacy, education, counseling, and case management. We embrace a holistic, trauma-informed approach to social challenges, rooted in equity and inclusion.

The Community Mental Health Counselor advances this mission by providing compassionate, culturally responsive mental health services to individuals and families impacted by trauma, violence, and adversity. This position promotes healing, empowerment, and resilience through evidence-based counseling and collaborative care.

General Summary

The Community Mental Health Counselor provides clinical services within a licensed outpatient mental health program, offering assessment, treatment planning, and therapy for individuals, families, and groups. This role emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care for individuals and families who have experienced trauma, adversity, and/or poverty. Counselors may support clients across a wide range of presenting issues, including mental health concerns, family stressors, violence, instability, and complex life challenges.

Compensation

· Hourly rate: $30/hour; 37.5 hours per week

· Benefits: Health and dental insurance, tenure-based paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, life and short-term disability insurance, retirement benefits

· This position is minimally grant-funded and primarily supported through self-pay and insurance reimbursement.

· Continuing education support (CEU funding) is included as part of the agency’s benefits package and may be used for licensure requirements, evidence-based training, and specialized clinical development. Additional opportunities may be available based on agency needs and funding availability.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

· Provide trauma-informed mental health services, including intake assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and individual, family, and group counseling.

· Trainees begin with a caseload shaped by client need and referral volume, with the understanding that initial client numbers will vary. Over the first 6–9 months, trainees are expected to build toward a sustainable caseload of 18–22 direct hours per week, guided by clinical readiness, licensure progress, and supervisory direction.

· Fully licensed clinicians are expected to reach a stable caseload of 20–25 direct hours per week within 3–6 months, with flexibility based on client flow, clinical complexity, and agency needs.

· Deliver evidence-based interventions such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, TF-CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, or other clinically appropriate modalities.

· Complete documentation in compliance with DHS 35, agency policy, and billing requirements.

· Participate in regular clinical supervision, case consultation, and multidisciplinary staff meetings.

· Collaborate across agency service lines and with external community partners to ensure coordinated, holistic care for clients.

· Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and resource connection as needed.

· Participate in program development and quality improvement initiatives.

· Uphold all ethical, legal, and professional standards, including HIPAA, state statutes, and trauma-informed care principles.

· Maintain required continuing education and licensure compliance.

· Provide crisis support as part of the integrated agency on-call rotation, collaborating with colleagues across service lines to ensure 24/7 client access to safety and stabilization resources.

· Other duties as assigned consistent with agency mission and program needs.

Individual and Professional Qualifications

Experience:

• 2 years of clinical experience preferred (internship hours may be considered).
• Experience working with trauma strongly preferred.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, equity-centered care.

Education:

• Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or related field.
• Hold Wisconsin licensure (LPC, APSW/LCSW, LMFT, or corresponding trainee credential: LPC-IT, MFT-IT, APSW).
• Illinois credentials preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and ability to maintain boundaries.
• Proficiency in electronic health records, Microsoft Office, and telehealth delivery.

Required Schedule and Work Location

This full-time position requires 37.5 hours per week, generally Monday–Friday, with some evening availability for client scheduling.
Primary offices are in Beloit, WI and Monroe, WI, with services also delivered in schools and other community-based settings across both counties.

Participation in the agency’s on-call rotation is required and occurs outside of standard business hours.
Hybrid flexibility may be considered following onboarding.

Measures of Performance

Performance is evaluated based on:

• Quality and effectiveness of clinical services
• Documentation timeliness and accuracy
• Client engagement, retention, and progress in treatment
• Compliance with DHS 35 and billing standards
• Professionalism, collaboration, and alignment with agency values

Job Stress

This role involves supporting individuals experiencing significant trauma and crisis. The therapist must demonstrate emotional resilience, compassion, and professional boundaries in high-stress situations.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the assigned Director of Services. Collaborates closely with other direct service staff and community partners. No supervisory responsibilities. Receives clinical supervision from a licensed clinical supervisor per WI DSPS regulations.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Family Services of S. WI & N. IL, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that complies with EEOC rule and regulations. Our agency is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and doesn’t discriminate based on race, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other non-merit characteristics.

Client Employment Eligibility Statement

Family Services of S. WI & N. IL, Inc. values the lived experience of individuals who have engaged with our services and encourages former clients to apply for employment opportunities. In alignment with our commitment to integrity, equity, and ethical practice, candidates are eligible for employment six months following the termination of services in a program other than the one in which they were served. Eligibility for employment within the program where services were received begins one year after termination of services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30