Licensed Professional Counselor

Description

Licensed Professional provides individual (ages 5 to adult), family, couples, group and crisis counseling.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling or Psychology.
• Licensed by the State of Texas at a Masters level LPC, LMFT or LCSW will be considered.
• Experience and thorough knowledge of DSM-V diagnosis
• Knowledge of different counseling methodologies and techniques.
• Knowledge and experience in group counseling.
• Knowledge of trauma informed treatments and evidence-based models is a plus.
• Minimum one (1) year experience fully licensed.  Previous counseling experience in behavioral health and demonstrated level of clinical counseling skills indicative of ability to engage in self-regulated practice.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Willingly cooperates and communicates with co-workers, supervisors and patients. Uses polite and respectful language.
• Demonstrates proper judgment and decision-making skills when necessary.
• Organizational Skills - The extent to which an employee is capable of organizing and prioritizing job-related responsibilities.
• Produces a significant volume of work efficiently in a specified period of time. Work is accurate, thorough, and neat.
• Works independently with little or no supervision.
• Takes assignment from supervisor and reports progress/problems as appropriate. Possesses the practical technical knowledge required on the job.
• Proposes ideas, finds new and better ways of doing things.
• Seeks out new assignments and assumes additional duties when necessary.
• Follows safety and conduct rules, other regulations governing the hospital and varies departments in the following:
• Safety
• Hazardous Materials
• Utilities
• Security
• Life Safety
• Medical Equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PATIENT THERAPY

• Conducts individual psychotherapy appropriate to the age of patient, displaying good theoretical knowledge of mental disorders and good treatment technique.
• Conducts family therapy sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of family therapy principles and good treatment technique.
• Conducts group therapy sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of group therapy principles and good treatment technique.
• Utilizes creative approaches to therapy and effectively engages patients in therapeutic process.
• Completes assessment(s) in a thorough and effectively engages patients in therapeutic process.
• Completes Treatment Plan Updates and Case Management Summaries in a timely and professional manner.
• Documents progress and communication notes in the required format on the day services were provided.
• Assess the mental and behavioral health status of referred patients.
• Formulates differential diagnosis of mild to moderate mental health conditions and/or substance abuse.
• Formulates short term and long-term counseling plans for patients under care.
• Consults with program director and other providers regarding complex patients and regarding prescription medications prescribed by providers.
• Identify patients with urgent mental health conditions (e.g. suicidal, homicidal, psychotic, etc.) and make appropriate referrals to available emergency or psychiatric treatment facilities.
• Provide written document of counseling sessions, assessments, interventions, and recommendations to meet requirements for medical records documentation.
• Staff any urgent client needs with a staff LPC immediately.
• Consult with Director of Behavior Health, on a weekly basis to staff caseload.
• Participates in weekly multidisciplinary meetings with other in-house departments, when applicable.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Fosters positive working relationships with area health care professionals and develops new referral sources via networking, speaking engagements, etc.
• Participates in community outreach activities, including in-service presentation to relevant groups and agencies.

COMMUNICATION

• Communicates effectively with families and agencies, conveying a positive and professional image.
• Deals objectively and constructively with potential conflict situations.
• Relays pertinent information to Behavioral Health Department Director and Hospital Administration as needed to maintain effective communication and enhance collaborative environment.
• Facilitates and demonstrates a positive working environment and relationship with all hospital personnel, physicians, and the community. Works well with others as evidenced by cooperative and communicative attitude to staff and other health team members.
• Observes and respects the confidentiality of information in regard to patients, physicians, and employees.

AGE SPECIFIC-ELDERS

• Modifies interview techniques by identifying the physical, psychosocial, and educational needs common to this age group.
• Provides education/explanation in easily understood terms to reduce stress/fear.
• Encourages and supports presence of family in patient's treatment.
• Explains in easily understood terms all aspects with regard to release/consents.
• Assesses altered perceptions resulting from change from independence and productive status to dependence and curtailed productivity.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Support CMH's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy
• Adhere to the CMH Compliance Program
• Assures/maintains compliance with all accreditation, statutory and regulatory standards at the local, state, and federal levels
• Comply with all organizational policies
• Maintain current clinical certification(s) and competencies as required
• Participates in continuing education programs, both inside and outside of the hospital.
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service/advocacy, professionalism and integrity
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong clinical and assessment skills, cultural competence, basic casework skills (referrals, advocacy)
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively perform multitasking
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public
• Works well with others, possessing tact, discretion and diplomacy.
• Has good skills, ability to function well as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and ability to represent the program well in interactions both inside and outside the host hospital.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Must be proficient with computers including Microsoft Office programs
• Strong interpersonal skills required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Stressful environment
• Exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, and excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials
• Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
• Exposure to temperature and humidity changes

Work Environment:

Medical exam and treatment rooms and medical offices. Environmental setting (lighting, temperature, air quality, and acoustics) controlled.