What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Counselor (LPC) - Psychiatric Services (FT - Days) position at Excelsior Springs City Hospital?
The counselor will provide therapy to individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. The Counselor will help individuals deal with thoughts of suicide, addictions and substance abuse, family and parenting problems, stress management, issues with self-esteem, and problems associated with aging and mental and emotional health. The ideal candidate will be equipped to use evidence-based practices such as DBT, and be comfortable working with clients of all ages and diverse needs, including those struggling with substance abuse.
Responsibilities:
- Counsels clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes. Maintains confidentiality of records relating to client’s treatment.
- Guides clients in the development of skills and strategies to deal with their problems. Encourages clients to express their feelings and to discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
- Collects information about clients through interviews, observations, and tests. Prepares and maintains treatment records and reports.
- Evaluates clients’ physical or mental condition based on the review of client information. Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Acts as a client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Return calls and emails promptly.
- Responsible for making independent decisions based on protocols developed utilizing national guidelines for treatment interventions.
- Responsible for maintaining customer relations with all agency staff and clients.
- Records all services performed for accurate billing for services provided in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, as well as payor rules and regulations. Submits billing documents in a timely fashion.
- Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Provides teaching and education to clinical staff, if requested.
- Follow all procedures and protocols as per policy, federal and state regulations, standard practice, and in accordance with the Collaborative Practice Agreement.
- Actively participate in all agency and department education, training, and in-services to confirm understanding of new information or changes to established clinical policies and procedures.
- Responsible for timely and accurate completion of medical records, including assessment, treatment plan, progress notes, outcome measures, and billing entries.
- Be able to assess client’s mental health, safety, and the need to be transferred to a higher level of care.
- Design/participate in the development of individualized treatment plans, incorporating best and leading practices into treatment interventions, including DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
- Collaborate with guardians, relatives, and significant others on clients’ conditions and treatment when clinically appropriate.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Mastered prepared level counseling degree.
- MO State credentials and licensing required.
- Experience or training in substance abuse counseling is preferred.
- Experience with or openness to working with clients of all ages is essential.
- Familiarity with DBT techniques and interventions is highly desirable.
