Position Description

The Behavioral Health Counselor performs professional duties involved in providing counseling, education, and advocacy for Nashville Fire Department members during and following crisis situations and provides support and follow up information after an incident or potential traumatic event.

Typical Duties

• Provides counseling assistance as needed.
• Refers to appropriate agencies as needed.
• Creates treatment plans with behavioral and clinical objectives.
• Conducts follow-up counseling on a weekly or biweekly basis as indicated by the member’s needs.
• Provides services and or information to members and family members as needed.
• Instructs trainees and members as to techniques involved in crisis recover, stress management, and wellness for the handling of emotionally or psychological distressed events.
• Performs administrative duties.

• Serves as an advocate for members and provides information to support services within and outside of the department.
• Speaks to professional and other community groups.
• Acts as a liaison between the department and local mental health agencies and hospitals.
• Maintains confidential records and writes detailed reports.
• Keeps abreast of current techniques and procedures used in handling psychological crisis.
• Ability to keep flexible schedule to assist with call outs, crisis and/mass tragedy events.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a field of Behavioral Science, such as Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of clinical counseling experience in a mental health related setting.

**Additional experience may be considered in lieu of education**

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Required License:
Valid Driver License

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Preferred Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Family and Marriage Counseling or related field
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) (temp) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) considered if under supervision
• Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Services Provider (LPC-MHSP), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.