Behavioral Health Counselor | PRN

About the Role

The Behavioral Health Counselor (Licensed) is a master’s‑prepared clinician working under supervision and preliminary licensure. The counselor is accountable for gathering and summarizing bio‑psych‑social histories, developing interdisciplinary crisis stabilization plans of care, providing patient and family education, conducting educational groups, participating in multidisciplinary treatment planning, and managing implementation and discharge planning of after‑care. The role also includes auditing medical records for quality of patient care, participating in performance improvement and quality management processes, and educating case management staff on treatment and discharge planning. The counselor serves as a patient advocate and is a member of the Behavioral Health Leadership Team.

Supervision

Reports directly to the Director of Psychiatric Services.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Interview patients, families, and others to obtain social and developmental histories.
• Maintain regular contact with each assigned patient to monitor responses to services and identify problem areas.
• Obtain information from family members regarding past treatment responses, work, custody, school, and leisure activities.
• Report significant information and recommendations to treatment team members.
• Liaise with local social service agencies to develop appropriate referrals for community reintegration upon discharge.
• Provide group and individual services to equip patients/clients with skills necessary for successful adjustment after release.
• Develop individual treatment plans for patients and document case records as needed.
• Deliver emotional and/or cognitive patient care in an appropriate, therapeutic, and safe manner.
• Communicate abnormal emotional or cognitive variances (e.g., tearfulness, hallucinations) to appropriate staff.

Education and Work Experience

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Family Therapy.
• Preferably 2–4 years of experience working with mentally ill and/or addiction populations.
• Currently pursuing or supervised for licensure (e.g., LMSW, PLPC).
• Crisis response training.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, peers, and medical personnel.
• Emotional stability, resilience, adaptability to change, decisiveness, and foresight.
• Organizational and leadership abilities; ability to gain and maintain support and respect.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

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

Employer Culture

Lake Charles Memorial Health System is a nationally certified Great Place to Work. The organization emphasizes exceptional patient care, employee well‑being, professional growth, and a supportive culture where contributions are valued and success is celebrated.