DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

• The Behavioral Health Counselor is a Master's prepared clinician that is under supervision/ passed preliminary licensure. He/ She is accountable for Bio-Psych-Social history and summarizing, development of an interdisciplinary crisis stabilization plan of care, patient and family educational sessions, conduct educational groups, participates in multi-disciplinary treatment planning and needs of patients/ family, and implementation and discharge planning of patient’s aftercare. The Behavioral Health Counselor 2 is accountable for audits of medical records for quality of patient care; participation in performance improvement and quality management process within the department; education of case management staff on treatment and discharge planning. The Behavioral Health Counselor serves as a patient advocate and is a member of the Behavioral Health Leadership Team.

SUPERVISION: Reports directly to Director of Psychiatric Services

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Interviews patients, their families, & others to obtain social & developmental histories.
• Maintains regular contact with each assigned patient to monitor responses to services & identify problem areas.
• Obtains information from family members about patient in regard to past response to treatment or problem areas in work, custody, school, & leisure activities.
• Reports significant information & recommendations to treatment team members.
• Liaison with local social service agencies to develop appropriate referrals to assist the patient to return to his/her community upon discharge.
• Provides group & individual services to prepare patients' or clients' with skills necessary for successful adjustment upon release.
• Develops individual treatment plans for patients & documents case records as needed.
• Provides emotional &/or cognitive patient care in an appropriate, therapeutic & safe manner.
• Communicates abnormal variances of emotional &/or cognitive data (tearful, hallucinating, etc) to appropriate staff.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Master's Degree in Social Work/ Psychology/ Family Therapy.
• Prefer 2- 4 Years Experience in working with mentally ill &/or addictions.
• Pursuing or currently supervised for licensure - ex: LMSW, PLPC.
• Crisis Response Training
• Ability to communicate with patient, family, peers and medical personnel
• Requires emotional stability and resilience.
• Must be adaptable to change, be decisive, and demonstrate foresight.
• Exhibits organizational and leadership ability.
• Shows ability to gain and maintain support and respect.
• Exhibits organizational and leadership ability.
• Shows ability to gain and maintain support and respect.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work requires a variety of physical activities including sitting, standing and walking.
• Bending, stooping, and lifting are minimal.
• The work environment may be physically confining.
• Visual acuity required for a variety of activities.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

“Experience Memorial” is more than a slogan, it’s the care we provide our patients and it’s the commitment to our community and our team members. As a nationally certified Great Place to Work, at Lake Charles Memorial Health System you will have the opportunity to be a part of an organizational culture that supports not only exceptional patient care but also the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Join us and be a part of a team where your contributions are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your success is celebrated.

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