This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing counseling for individuals, families, and groups along with facilitating community mental health literacy groups. This position will also be responsible for community and staff education presentations on mental health topics.

Pay Range: $19.25-$26.40/Hourly Depending on Experience, Licenses, and Degree Qualifications. 

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs initial evaluations or in-takes of client needs and develops customized treatment plans.
• Evaluates clients through conversations, interviews, and observations to aid in the diagnosis and assessment of client’s needs.
• Develops a treatment plan that may include counseling, medication, or other services.
• Works with the client to set goals and discuss a treatment plan. Considers internal and external resources in the development of the treatment plan.

• Must be comfortable with building personal relationships and dedicated to helping others. Must be empathetic, compassionate, encouraging, supportive of clients.
• Helps clients discuss experiences and emotions to help them through challenges and life events.
• Guides clients with a variety of issues such as substance abuse, bullying, anger management, depression, relationships, stress, and suicide
• Educates the clients on strategies and coping skills.
• Monitors client progress and modifies their treatment plans as needed.
• Refers to or coordinates with social and medical agencies, healthcare providers and other community resources to provide clients with needed services.
• Records the client’s progress and changes their treatment plan when needed.

• Completes and maintains documentation according to grant, organizational, and state guidelines. Performs administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and billing clients.

• Maintains good working relationships with support networks, government resources, and community.
• Attends continuing education courses and workshops to maintain professional competence and stay up to date on developments in the field of counseling

• Creates and delivers educational presentations on mental health topics to staff and community members (all ages) about topics such as stress management, anger management, parenting skills, or breaking the stigma of mental health.
• Create sand delivers mental health literacy curriculum to deliver in group settings in schools, YMCAs, or other community locations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Engaging Community
• Developing Self and Others

QUALIFICATIONS:

• LPC, LPC-Associate, LMFT, LMFT-Associate - Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, marriage, and family therapy, or a related mental health field is required.
• License to perform in-state; licensed by either through the National Board for Certified Counselors and/or the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) Preferred.
• Possesses superb written and spoken communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with clients, colleagues, and other professionals to coordinate care when necessary.
• Excellent time management skills; organized and able to prioritize. Able to organize and manage large amounts of files, schedules, dates, and information
• Must be able to work evenings and some Saturdays.
• Must Adhere to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations.
• Certifications required within the first week of hire: Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, Appropriate Touch, Hazardous Communications, and Defensive Driving.
• Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen.
• Must be 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, as well as capacity to drive to various locations within the greater San Antonio metropolitan area. Must also complete Defensive Driving bi-annually.
• Must possess Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed in a fast-paced office environment.
• Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens and/or documents and making changes as necessary/required.
• This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking in order to identify problems and recommend solutions.
• Job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative in order to work within deadlines.
• Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.
• Incumbent must be able to stand for long periods of time, as well as be able to use keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils.
• Uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.