Behavioral Health Counselor/Therapist

This position is a member of the clinical team whose main job function is to provide mental health services to individuals, families and groups either at the mental health center or other contracted locations within the community. Mental health services specifically include: mental health evaluations; initial assessments and individual service plans; psychotherapy and counseling; treatment plan reviews; crisis intervention/emergency; preliminary diagnostic evaluations (pre-screening); and consultation and education to patients, patient’s families, or other interested parties. Other activities may arise requiring counselor/therapist expertise and coordination for quality care of SIMHC individuals.

I. PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Serve as counselor/therapist providing direct care to individuals, families, or groups either at the mental health center or other contracted community sites as determined necessary by Executive Director, or Director of Clinical Services. Meet productivity standards as set forth by the Center (currently set at 70%) and assume responsibility for quality of services rendered to individuals within budgetary guidelines.
2. Conduct and document mental health evaluations such as a preliminary diagnostic evaluation (pre-screening) upon request. Conduct and document initial assessments for psychotherapy and counseling services, gathering pertinent social history for use in making appropriate diagnosis. Develop a detailed psychiatric crisis intervention plan that includes natural supports and self-help methods with individuals who have a chronic mental illness.
3. Collaborate in creating and documenting individual service plans and subsequent treatment plan reviews. Document the individual’s progress toward goals, provision of staff supports and interventions, the individual’s response to interventions and status at each visit, and reasons for continuing or discontinuing services during or after each session in the session progress note. Maintain appropriate discharge information and follow up on missed appointments.
4. Provide emergency services to individuals consistent with Center’s program plan, policies and procedures; including crisis intervention, and/or consultation and education via telephone or in person.
5. Documentation will be completed within one week of evaluation or assessment and within 24 hours of all therapy sessions. All patient information will be confidentially maintained in the Center’s electronic medical record system, in accordance with Center policies/procedures, accreditation standards, and HIPAA guidelines. Patient information will not be released without authorized release or by court order. Prepare additional reports, as requested and authorized through signed releases.
6. Be involved with other providers and in community services including case and program consultation, mental health education, and in service training, specifically with primary care physicians, upon acquiring appropriate releases. Consult/plan as needed with staff of other agencies to assure appropriate, unduplicated services to clients and coordinate consumer referrals to other appropriate human services.
7. Participate actively in Center staff meetings for case consultation, Center program planning and quality assurance/compliance review of records. Interact with support staff as needed to facilitate claim preparation for third party reimbursement and quality client care.
8. Comply with Center employee handbook and policies and procedures. Keep records of time used and submit monthly expense claims/travel reports and appropriate forms for vacation or absence, according to Center policies and procedures.
9. Maintain continuing education requirements by attending professional courses and seminars as required by licensing board to maintain license, knowledge, and professional growth.
10. May be charged with developing, coordinating and evaluating a specific program or service to the Center, including, but not limited to, grant writing, data collection, participating in utilization and risk management activities, research activities, input towards SIMHC strategic plan, or other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Director of Clinical Services.

II. QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must hold at minimum a master’s degree in a mental health field including, but not limited to: psychology, counseling and guidance, or social work from an accredited institution; and
2. Hold a current Iowa license as required by the Iowa professional licensure laws.

III. DEGREE OF SUPERVISION

1. Administrative supervision of mental health counselor/therapist by Director of Clinical Services at least monthly or on an as-needed basis.
2. Individual supervision with a qualified, licensed mental health professional will occur minimum of weekly for master’s degree non-independently licensed persons.
3. Qualified, licensed mental health professionals may clinically supervise the work of license-eligible persons if approved by Director of Clinical Services and applicable licensing board.
4. Directly responsible to the Director of Clinical Services.

V. REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION

1. Flexibility to alter schedule as needed for client care, within established Center hours.
2. Excellent verbal and written skills with ability to practice good communication with providers, staff, and other providers.
3. Good decision- making skills and ability for critical thinking.
4. Working knowledge of current diagnostic criteria manual as approved by American Psychiatric Association.
5. Familiarity and proficiency with electronic medical record, electronic mail, and word processing preferred.
6. Hearing and visual ability which allows for necessary understanding while rendering professional services.
7. Physical ability to stand, walk, sit, type and/or move for up to 8 hours in a working shift.
8. Strong passion for improving the mental health & substance abuse care delivery system. Must have an internal desire to want to see people do better and live better.

 

To apply for any of these positions, or if you have any questions, please contact: Simhc@SimhcOttumwa.org