Behavioral Health Counselor

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provides comprehensive interdisciplinary services to clients with mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Responsible for conducting initial assessments, evaluations and interpretation in developing appropriate interventions and/or treatment/recovery plan for client through individual or group therapy plans. Facilitates effective interpersonal relationships with clients, families and community in maximizing continued interest, while keeping professional boundaries. Organizes, plans, and facilitates support/therapy groups. Completes accurate documentation such as, but not limited to, comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, correspondences, group therapy notes, and all other required documentation per the established policies, procedures and requirements related to client electronic health record keeping.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides direct outpatient psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups, by performing mental health and substance abuse assessments. Develops and implements treatment plans and evaluates treatment outcomes with the ability to assess both mental health and substance use diagnoses.
2. Develops and facilitates individual and group sessions according to the needs of the client population, including both mental health and substance use counseling, using a multi-modal approach.
3. Provides counseling for all areas of mental health including, but not limited to individual, marital/family dysfunction, child abuse/neglect and substance issues (including urine drug screens as indicated).
4. Provides substance use/addictions education to clients and families.
5. Recommends and arranges referral for specialized treatment and provides follow-up care.
6. Functions as a primary therapist and case manager for given number of clients.
7. Connects clients with outside resources, including sober support groups and activities.
8. Participates in case conferences and provides consultation to other professional staff.
9. Provides pre-admission screening and aftercare counseling in conjunction with community-based clinics.
10. Works to promote cooperative staff efforts to provide and maintain high quality service to patients, physicians, and other staff to assure quality patient care.
11. Works within the parameters of managed care.
12. Implements approved methods of treatment to meet goals and objectives, with completed regular reporting requirements.
13. Assures confidentiality of information according to the Privacy Act of 1974 (HIPAA).
14. Follows all policies and procedures of the department, Seneca Nation Health System, and Seneca Nation.
15. Attends all mandatory staff meetings and in-services, including training to stay current in position and/or department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of clinical interviewing practices and procedures, working with diverse mental health issues including trauma.
• Knowledge of concepts related to cultural components, medical and social factors that influence substance or alcohol use, mental health issues, and how it affects families.
• Ability to effectively communicate goals of the treatment program to clients.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with community organizations and agencies.
• Ability to work with all age groups, family systems, and treatment of substance use/dependence, family violence and sexual abuse.
• Ability to travel as needed for departmental operational demands.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related Human Services field with, or ability to obtain, unrestricted NYS licensure - LCSW-R, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT with 1-2 years’ supervised experience, preferred.
• Experience working within managed care system preferred.
• A valid NYS driver’s license is required.
• Experience in a large hospital, academic medical center, outpatient health care setting, or Indian Health Service (IHS)/tribal health, preferred.

Disclaimer: The information in this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.  Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.