Outpatient Counselor

JOB SUMMARY: Easterseals is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families and communities by enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating community. We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Mental Health Counselor to join our team. This position will work with clients identified as in need of mental health treatment in an outpatient setting. In addition to conducting traditional 1:1 counseling session, this position will have the opportunity to conduct group sessions in efforts to make mental health services more accessible to our clients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Conducts individual, group counseling and/or family therapy sessions, maintaining caseload of 20-30 clients in an office-based outpatient setting.

· Maintains confidentiality of records relating to client’s treatment.

· Guides clients in the development of skills and strategies to deal with life challenges and improve symptom management.

· Encourages clients to express their feelings and to discuss what is happening in their lives and helps them develop insight into themselves and their relationships.

· Collects information about clients through interviews, observations, and tests. Prepares and maintains treatment records and reports.

· Assessment of symptoms, coping strategies, strengths/challenges, social supports, and mental status examination to facilitate individualization of treatment. Develops and implements treatment plans based on client goals and information gathered in assessment process. Acts as a client advocate to coordinate required services, make referrals as appropriate, or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

· Completes other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

· Master's degree in psychology, counseling or a related field required.

· One year of experience working with children, neurodiversity, and/or specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (may be pre-grad or in non-clinical settings).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Knowledge of HIPAA with ability to work within all legal and ethical guidelines of practice.

· Excellent oral and written communications skills

· Computer literacy and basic proficiency in typing, ability to utilize EHR with training.

· Proficiency in assessment/interviewing of clients and/or guardian; treatment planning for behavioral and affective disorders; recognition of individual differences in ability, personality, and interests, and a strengths-based wellness approach.

· Ability to assist clients in exploration of career options, college preparation, development of new healthy coping strategies, increasing social support, life management skills, and self-regulation.

· Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, cultural diversity and sensitivity, ability to work with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

· Excellent customer services skills; the ability to build and maintain rapport with clients, guardians, colleagues, and community partners.

· Demonstrates a strong commitment to self-development.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:

· Able to receive oral communication via phone and in person.

· Able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach.

· Able to lift and carry children weighing up to 50 lbs.

· Able to see clearly and close.

USE OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

· Able to operate copier, computer and fax machine.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Employees are required to work in a drug-free workplace.

· Employees are required to work in a smoke-free workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $57,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $57,000