Part-time Mental Health Counselor

Position: Mental Health Counselor

Location: Smith Medical Clinic (Pawleys Island and Georgetown, SC)  

Reports to: Executive Director  

Job Type: Part-Time (Flexible hours)  

Start date: September, 2026

Overview:  

Smith Medical Clinic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free medical care to low-income, uninsured residents of Georgetown County, is seeking a compassionate, dedicated Behavioral Health Counselor to join our team. This position will play a key role in supporting our patient’s mental health, promoting health literacy, and providing counseling services to enhance patient well-being and empowerment. The counselor will work alongside medical providers and community partners to support patients and their mental health.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient Counseling & Support: Provide one-on-one counseling sessions

• Patient Advocacy & Navigation: Assist patients in accessing healthcare resources within the clinic and the community, connecting them to relevant social and health services as needed.

• Collaborative Care: Work closely with medical providers, including nurse practitioners and physicians, to provide holistic care for patients and ensure that counseling complements clinical treatments and interventions.

• Program Development: Collaborate with clinic leadership and community partners to identify areas for expanding services, supporting the design of programs that address the unique needs of low-income, uninsured patients

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate, confidential records of patient interactions, progress, and outcomes. Ensure compliance with clinic policies, including those regarding privacy and data security.

• Outreach & Community Engagement: Participate in outreach efforts to build trust and awareness within the community, particularly underserved women

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, public health, or a related field required; Certification/Licensure SC licensure as LPCC, LPC, LMHC, LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent level, OR licensed out of state and eligible for SC licensure.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in mental health counseling, or social work, preferably with low-income or underserved populations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport with patients.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a clinical setting.

• Bilingual (Spanish-English) proficiency is a plus.

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.

• Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.

• Knowledge of case management.

• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.

• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to patients' rights.

• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work tactfully with patients, staff, and volunteers.

• Ability to work independently while also fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Commitment to serving the underserved and understanding the unique challenges faced by low-income, uninsured patients.

• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Working Conditions:

• Part-time role, with flexible hours (approximately 12-20 hours per week).

• Occasional evening hours may be required based on clinical needs.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to afaul@smithfreeclinic.org] by September 28, 2026

For more information about Smith Medical Clinic, please visit www.smithfreeclinic.org