What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Counselor position at Shawnee Counseling Center LLC?
Mental Health Counselor
Job Summary
The Mental Health Counselor provides individual and group counseling services to support clients in improving emotional, behavioral, and mental health functioning. This position works with individuals experiencing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation, substance use, family conflict, parenting concerns, stress, self-esteem issues, and co-occurring mental health needs. The counselor plays an active role in assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, care coordination, and ongoing therapeutic support.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide individual, and group counseling services in accordance with client needs, clinical best practices, and agency standards.
2. Complete psychosocial assessments, gather relevant history, and evaluate clients’ mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs.
3. Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, clinical judgment, and client progress.
4. Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries, and other required records.
5. Support clients in developing effective coping skills, emotional regulation strategies, and healthy behavioral patterns.
6. Assist clients in addressing concerns related to mood disorders, trauma, stress, substance use, family dynamics, relationship issues, and life transitions.
7. Respond appropriately to crisis situations, including risk assessment, de-escalation, safety planning, and coordination of higher levels of care when needed.
8. Collaborate with case managers, peer supporters, medical providers, and other treatment team members to ensure coordinated care.
9. Advocate for clients by connecting them with internal and external resources that support treatment goals and stability.
10. Maintain compliance with all ethical, legal, licensing, Medicaid, CARF, and organizational standards.
11. Participate in staff meetings, clinical supervision, case consultations, and ongoing professional development activities.
Required Skills and Abilities
1. Strong knowledge of social work principles, counseling techniques, behavioral health assessment, and therapeutic interventions.
2. Understanding of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, and co-occurring treatment approaches.
3. Ability to complete clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide effective therapeutic services.
4. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, suicide risk assessment, and safety planning.
5. Ability to build rapport with diverse client populations while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear and timely clinical documentation.
7. Knowledge of community resources, care coordination practices, and client advocacy strategies.
8. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
9. Understanding of cultural humility, ethics, confidentiality requirements, and person-centered care.
Education and Experience
1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related behavioral health field required.
2. Master’s degree in social work or a related field preferred.
3. LSW, LPC or higher required.
4. Previous experience providing mental health counseling, case coordination, crisis intervention, or related behavioral health services preferred.
5. Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders preferred.
Pay: From $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
Salary : $29