Group Counselor

Primary Responsibilities The Group Counselor will

Facilitate scheduled IOP therapeutic groups Create a safe, structured, engaging, and respectful group environment Facilitate psychoeducation, skills practice, therapeutic processing, and experiential activities as appropriate Encourage meaningful participation while respecting individual differences and readiness Establish clear expectations and maintain appropriate group boundaries Respond therapeutically to difficult group dynamics and behavioral concerns Utilize evidence-informed approaches appropriate to the clinician's training and scope, which may include motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, ACT, relapse-prevention strategies, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and recovery-oriented interventions Support clients in connecting concepts discussed in group to their individual treatment and recovery goals Complete required group documentation accurately and within established timeframes Communicate relevant clinical concerns to the treatment team Participate in supervision, consultation, and training as appropriate Collaborate with therapists, psychiatric providers, nursing staff, case managers, and other members of the Ava Health team Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and practice within the scope of their credential, training, and supervision Support Ava Health's commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, person-centered treatment environment

Group Facilitation Philosophy At Ava Health, running a group is more than presenting information. Effective group counselors are expected to create an environment in which clients feel safe enough to participate, challenged enough to grow, and connected enough to learn from one another. Our groups incorporate a combination of: Therapeutic processing Psychoeducation Skills development and practice Motivational interviewing CBT, DBT, and ACT-informed concepts Emotional regulation Communication and relationship skills Relapse prevention and recovery skills Mindfulness Experiential and interactive activities Peer connection and community building Group counselors are encouraged to bring their own clinical strengths, personality, creativity, and areas of expertise into their work while remaining consistent with the overall treatment model and needs of the program.

What Ava Health Offers This position provides an opportunity to

Become part of a collaborative multidisciplinary behavioral health team Receive on-the-job training and professional development Develop advanced group facilitation skills Gain experience working with complex, dual-diagnosis presentations Work alongside experienced behavioral health professionals Build clinical experience toward professional development and licensure, when applicable Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals working toward improved mental health and recovery Join a growing organization with opportunities for professional growth

Schedule This is a part-time position supporting Ava Health's Intensive Outpatient Program in Grand Junction, Colorado. Programming is during the day, typically 10am-3pm Monday to Friday. Specific hours and group assignments will be determined based on program needs, candidate availability, clinical qualifications, and experience.

Ideal Candidate The ideal Group Counselor is someone who genuinely enjoys facilitating groups of people getting vulnerable and supporting one another. They are comfortable creating structure without being rigid, engaging clients without forcing participation, and balancing education with authentic therapeutic interaction. They understand that effective groups depend not only on the curriculum being delivered, but on the relationships, safety, energy, and culture created within the room. Most importantly, they enjoy working as part of a team and want their work to meaningfully help people who are navigating mental health and substance use challenges.

Ava Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and treatment environment.