Counselor I

About the role

The Counselor at Hampstead establishes therapeutic relationships with assigned patients and facilitates maintaining the therapeutic environment in the Psychiatric Unit. The Counselor provides progressively basic-to-complex patient care services, increasing independence with experience and skill.

Creates and implements therapeutic plans and relationships with assigned patients to ensure treatment plans are followed appropriately, helping patients progress toward their goals. Provides patient-centered care that is resiliency and recovery-oriented, with a primary focus on patients' health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Conducts patient group sessions and patient education that reflect treatment plans and goals.
• Facilitates daily therapeutic activity groups and ensures follow-up with appropriate clinical and/or support staff.
• Assists patients with daily living and maintains a safe and therapeutic milieu along with an orderly work environment.
• Participates in hospital safety training programs and meets with a Senior Counselor and Supervisor for ongoing mentoring, guidance, and supervision.
• Utilizes interventions consistent with current research relevant to developmental, cultural, and disability-specific needs.
• Consults and communicates with other professional treatment staff regarding various treatment interventions, psychosocial and environmental influences, community resources, and transition needs.
• Updates and maintains accurate medical records and other documentation in accordance with Joint Commission, State Licensing, and Medicare standards.
• Follows program and departmental policies and procedures, including discipline-specific standards for psychosocial assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and required forms.
• Promotes a hospital culture of patient safety in a non-punitive atmosphere; observes and reports significant events or concerns to the Senior Counselor, Charge Nurse, or Milieu Supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university with major study in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral science area. Each additional year of approved formal education may substitute for one year of required work experience.
• Three years' experience in social work, clinical mental health counseling, or a related field in a psychiatric inpatient or clinical environment. Each additional year of approved work experience may substitute for one year of required formal education.
• Familiarity with computer applications such as email, basic word-processing, and database input.

Qualifications

• Preferred candidate has a license or is eligible for licensure through reciprocity as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire.
• Experience in providing clinical services within the mental health service delivery system.