Mental Health Counselor

NYC Health Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers.

NYC Health Hospitals/Correctional Health Services is one of the nation’s leading correctional health care systems in quality of and innovations to care, and access from pre-arraignment through compassionate release. In-jail services include medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental and vision care, discharge planning, and reentry support. In addition to providing direct patient care in the jails, CHS leverages the resources of the nation’s largest municipal health care system to help discharged patients successfully return to their communities. CHS is also a pivotal partner in New York City’s criminal justice reform efforts.

Under direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional, with latitude for independent judgment and decision making, performs professional work of ordinary difficulty in the mental health discipline. The following are typical tasks for Assignment Level I:

Examples of Typical Tasks:

1. Provides mental health counseling and psycho-education services to clients with less complex cases.
2. Participates in the interviewing and case history taking process by utilizing appropriate assessment and screening tools.
3. Consults with relevant mental health professionals regarding the diagnoses, prognoses, and recommendations for disposition on individual cases; contributes to the formulation of client comprehensive treatment plans.
4. Coordinates with appropriate personnel and/or departments to counsel and assist clients with the completion of applications and documentation for educational, vocational, and entitlement programs.
5. Acts as a resource to clients seeking additional support on a broad variety of available services within the healthcare facility and the community.
6. Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records and files of patient contact information which includes consumer interactions, clinical case histories, phone contacts, agency interactions, and other related information.
7. Participates in appropriate internal and/or external training conferences.
8. May participate in treatment programs assisting other personnel and/or departments in providing counseling/therapeutic services.
9. May be assigned to coordinate and supervise the activities of support staff in related areas.
10. May be assigned to assist in the instruction and supervision of volunteers, interns, and students in the area of mental health counseling as appropriate.

Assignment Level I

1. Valid license and current registration or valid limited permit to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

Assignment Level II

1. Valid license and current registration to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the NYSED and two (2) years of full-time, paid, professional experience providing direct client care in a behavioral health setting.

Assignment Level III

1. Valid license and current registration to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the NYSED; and three (3) additional years of post-licensure experience.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20 hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• College Savings Program
• Union Benefits for eligible titles
• Multiple employee discounts programs
• Commuter Benefits Programs