Mental Health Counselor

3 days at the garland plaza and 2 at the garland copc

Primary Purpose

Provides community-based individual, family and group counseling services to Parkland's clients experiencing mental health disorders.

Minimum specifications

• Education
• Must have a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling.

Experience • Must have two (2) years counseling experience. • WISH

• Prefer counseling experience in perinatal mood disorders, women's health issues and specific knowledge and counseling experience with youth and adult mental health disorders.
• COPC: Prefer counseling experience with children and adolescent populations with specific knowledge of childhood mental disorders or counseling experience with adult populations with specific knowledge of adult mental disorders.
• Emergency/Trauma: Prefer Counseling experience with adolescent and adult populations with specific knowledge of assessment and intervention for trauma-related disorders.

• Equivalent Education and/or Experience
• May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for both the education and the experience requirements.

• Certification/Registration/Licensure
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• OR-
• Must be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• OR-
• Must be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

• Skills or Special Abilities
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles and techniques of mental health counseling.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a diverse population of clients both orally and in writing to include written reports and documentation of treatment information in a timely fashion.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.
• Bilingual skills preferred. WISH: Knowledge of maternal and women's health issues, particularly perinatal mood disorders, Depression, Anxiety, domestic abuse issues, and how mental health affects women throughout the reproductive years.
• COPC: Knowledge of childhood/adolescent depression, ADHD, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and developmental challenges or knowledge of adult mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use/abuse as well as other adult psychiatric disorders. Have some understanding of Behavioral Health integration within Primary Care settings.
• Emergency/Trauma: Must be EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained or certified. Knowledge of evidence-based screening, assessment and intervention for trauma-related disorders. Have some understanding of Behavioral Health integration with Ambulatory settings.
• Preferred:
• Spanish proficiency is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides counseling to clients and their families to relieve emotional distress, clarify patient goals/priorities, expand social support networks in individual or group format and find adaptive solutions to current life problems.

Collaborates with service providers and professional colleagues to better understand and address the needs of clients' psychological and social needs.

Provides a thorough written record of all counseling sessions including a comprehensive report addressing patient's presenting problems and current needs, and documentation of all relevant information/contacts pertaining to patient while observing confidentiality laws and carrying out the goals and objectives as established.

Identifies and analyzes the design of counseling, interventions, medical and psychological referrals, patient access, processes, etc., for counseling services. Modifies approach, communication and interaction to take account of sensory impairments and specific needs of all customers. Implements or recommends appropriate changes to improve customer service, effectiveness, and efficiency that support the goals of Parkland. When necessary, provides appropriate community referrals, and follows up to ensure patient access to care.

Job Accountabilities

Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.