Mental Health Counselor

“UCS Healthcare values me as an employee.”  “I’m given the latitude to do my job.”  “UCS Healthcare is making a difference in our community.”  “My supervisor is caring and understanding and is rooting for my success!”

These are just a few quotes from a recent employee survey. Many employers promise competitive salaries and benefits, but more than that is required to provide a fulfilling career. What will? How about an organizational culture of mutual respect? Or maybe a career that is not ‘corporate,’ where profits come before people?

As an integrated healthcare non-profit, we put people first. We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package. We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities. We are inclusive and firmly believe that bringing your authentic self to work improves teams and helps our clients thrive.

If you're seeking a workplace that aligns with your values, where your contributions are appreciated, and where you can make a tangible impact, consider joining our team. Rather than waiting for others to catch up with UCS Healthcare, apply with us. Our team members tell us that they are grateful they did. Join us in our mission to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being.

UCS Healthcare has earned the Best Place for Working Parents® Designation several years running (2021-2025) in recognition of our commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices

Reports to: Clinical Director

Job Summary: 

The Mental Health Counselor will provide integrated mental health counseling services primarily to individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders. This role requires a licensed professional with expertise in treating mental health issues and substance use disorders. This involves conducting thorough assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, and delivering individual and group therapy sessions. The counselor is dedicated to helping clients achieve their recovery goals by offering support, guidance, and education tailored to their needs.  As part of UCS Healthcare, team members will follow all laws and regulations, including those at the Federal, State, and Local level. They will also adhere to all UCS policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality, HIPAA/ 42CFR part 2, and all CARF requirements. All team members will operate in alignment with UCS Healthcare’s core values, work effectively in a team environment, provide or support patient-centered services, and strive to assist UCS Healthcare in delivering the highest level of care.

Essential Functions: (90%)  

• Assesses clients referred for substance abuse and mental health evaluations and make appropriate treatment recommendations. 
• Provides individual and group counseling to patients. Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support clients in their recovery journey. Implement evidenced based curriculums identified as appropriate by management. Facilitate group therapy sessions to provide clients with peer support and education. Create a safe and supportive environment for clients to share experiences and strategies for recovery.
• Maintain a client caseload in accordance with assigned duties.  
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training workshops as required.
• Develop individualized treatment plans. Monitor clients' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Evaluate treatment plans and define goals with patients served as required by level of care. 
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes. Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.

Other Functions: (10%)   

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• Collaborate treatment functions with outside agencies. Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies as necessary.

• Apprise supervisor of problems encountered in caseloads. 
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain licensure and stay current with best practices in mental health and substance use disorder counseling.
• Monitor and provide coverage for agency crisis line. 
• Interpret referral paperwork to determine appropriate level of care. 
• Will secure an individual NPI number within 30 days of employment. 
• Complete required training in a timely manner
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Master’s degree in social work, mental health or related field. 
• Current licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent in the state of Iowa. If temporarily licensed (T), must achieve independent licensing within 3 years of hire. 
• Strong understanding of the principles of integrated treatment for mental health and co-occurring disorders.
• Demonstrated expertise in mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Must adhere to agency policy and procedures, engage in critical thinking, and utilize problem solving skills. 
• Ability to work with diverse populations and handle sensitive information confidentially.

Preferred Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Independently Licensed as an independent social worker (LISW) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) or temporary LMHC. 
• Experience with group facilitation. 
• Additional certification or training in substance use disorder counseling (e.g., Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). 
• Experience working in a clinical setting with clients who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Familiarity with CARF standards.

Supervisory Responsibility:  NA  

Physical Requirements:   

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicating with others to exchange information. 
• A valid driver's license is required and liability insurance or an equivalent means of reliable personal transportation and coverage as travel within the state of Iowa may be necessary.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.