About Job
The Psychiatric Counselor reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- A Psychiatric Counselor, under the direction of the Patient Care Manager, Charge or Staff Nurse, delivers direct care to the psychiatric patient. Effectively interacts with the patient, their support network, and other members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team to rapidly identify and treat the crisis that is occurring.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts intake's consisting of the BHS Pre-Admission Assessment, all admission forms, Voluntary forms along with patient rights. Orient's patient to unit and conducts body and belongings search under the direction of the Charge RN.
- Plans and implements care in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team. Able to begin and add to the Master Treatment Plan.
- Facilitates groups, educational, and focus to Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric population. Conducts Community and Wrap- Up and Expressive Therapy Groups along with milieu management.
- Under the direction of the Charge RN assists with ADL's.
- Serves on BHS and unit work groups when requested.
- Communicates to Manager and Charge Nurse any incidents regarding patients and staff that may compromise unit safety.
- Conducts telephone screenings (inquiry calls) in a fashion resulting in appropriate disposition based on the phone contact.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree
- One year experience in a behavioral health unit or one completed semester of internship in a behavioral health field.
- CPR – Basic Life Support
- CPI at hire or within six months of hire
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health science field
- Experience in mental health substance abuse
Equal Opportunity
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Professional Field

