Licensed Group Counselor - Full Time - Behavioral Health

About the role

At Hackensack Meridian Health, the Licensed Group Counselor provides group psychotherapeutic services under the clinical supervision of an LCSW or LPC, in accordance with current standards of practice. This role does not provide clinical hours and is not intended for one-to-one therapy supervision. Hours are Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., one weekend day a pay period, and some holidays. Behavioral health experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic activities assessment and group counseling services to assigned patient groups, including mood and behavior stabilization, social and recreational skills, grief/loss, substance abuse/co-occurring, creative expressions, stress management, coping skills, trauma, and physical activities for mind/body/spirit.
• Completes the Group Counselor Assessment of the patient within 48 hours of admission.
• Provides a minimum of four therapeutic groups per day, an evening group one day per week, and weekend groups on assigned units; may provide groups on other units as needed.
• Understands and adheres to the organization’s health and safety requirements, as well as all Hospital, Federal, State, and Joint Commission requirements.
• Assesses the patient’s learning needs, readiness and barriers to learning, and documents appropriately; provides age-appropriate learning opportunities and educational materials tailored to the patient/family.
• Takes the lead in unit preparations for holiday celebrations.
• Provides information to the treatment team regarding the patient’s participation and progress in conducted groups.
• Develops a plan of care reflecting assessed needs, strengths, preferences, goals, and stages in the recovery process; attends multidisciplinary treatment plan conferences and collaborates with the treatment team.
• Completes documentation of patient progress in weekly progress notes, weekly treatment plan reviews or revisions, and transfer or discharge summaries.
• Participates in departmental meetings, unit meetings, in-services, and other meetings as requested.
• Maintains current knowledge in the field by attending continuing educational programs.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work or another related Mental Health Counseling field.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in a healthcare setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• NJ Licensed Social Worker or Associate Counselor License.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred

• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
• NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Professional Counselor License.

Pay

Minimum rate of $61,110.40 annually. HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted rate is a good faith estimate of the minimum base pay in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of the market-competitive total rewards package.