Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY HELPS)

Salary range: $70,579 – $89,645 annually.

About the role

The Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Children’s Mobile Stabilization & Outreach (CMSO) program reports to the CMSO Regional Supervisor and BBHS Social Work Supervisor, providing clinical case management services to youth and their families or caregivers. The clinician serves as a critical member of the youth’s support team, helping the team understand the youth holistically—including behaviors related to placement in the context of familial, community, cultural, and developmental experiences. The role involves continually assessing and leveraging the strengths of youth and their caregivers to facilitate insight, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and spiritual growth and wellness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of a multidisciplinary team; attend meetings, present clinical information and observations, provide consultation, and assist staff in other disciplines.
• Coordinate care and treatment planning for individuals served by the team.
• Conduct clinical assessments using standardized instruments and evaluation protocols when required.
• Develop person-centered and goal-oriented treatment plans.
• Recommend higher levels of care and complete referrals for specialized services as indicated.
• Provide direct mental health counseling and psychotherapy to individuals and families, including via telehealth technologies.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Document and maintain youth records (contact notes, treatment plans, assessments, clinical recommendations, and collateral contacts) in accordance with state regulations and DJJOY policies.
• Collaborate with clinical and community staff to develop and support discharge and aftercare service plans.
• Assist facility clinicians with identifying community providers and scheduling appointments for continuity of care for youth transitioning from OCFS facilities.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid New York State license and current registration as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). License must be maintained throughout employment.
• Open to the public: No prior state service required.
• Transfer candidates: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or a title eligible for 70.1 transfer.
• This position may be designated 55b/c (individuals with disabilities) and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Schedule

• Full-time, permanent appointment.
• Workweek: Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
• Workday hours: Between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM (no flextime).
• No mandatory overtime or compressed workweek.
• Telecommuting allowed at the discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships.

Location

Oneida County, Utica CMSO
207 Genesee Street, Room 409
Utica, NY 13501

Additional Notes

• For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment (no examination required). Candidates must still meet minimum qualifications.
• Within one year of permanent appointment, non-competitive status will convert to competitive status, granting the same rights and privileges as other competitive-class employees.
• All prospective employees undergo a Criminal Background Check (CBC), including State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. Convictions must be reported; certain convictions may bar appointment or result in removal.
• Prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) and, for DJJOY positions, the Staff Exclusion List (SEL).