Counselor - Mental Health Services

The Counselor of Mental Health Services provides clinical counseling services to children, youth, and families. They provide clinical care by conducting mental health assessments under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional (MHP), short and long-term therapy, case management, and crisis intervention.

The Counselor is a key member of the Behavioral Health team and play a crucial role in providing support to the community.

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor (Outpatient or Community)

essential duties

Clinical Services Tasks

1. Provide evidence-based and culturally responsive therapeutic interventions and services to youth and their families.
2. Administer mental health assessments under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional (MHP), provide individual, family, and group counseling sessions.
3. Maintain awareness of crisis intervention best practices and provide crisis support to clients, as needed.
4. Provide case consultation, linkage, advocacy, and coordination of services to collateral contacts for assigned clients.
5. Maintain direct service hours at 60% of total weekly work hours.

Administrative Tasks

1. Attend weekly/bi-weekly individual meetings with Clinical Supervisor to review cases.
2. Participate in employee case consultations and division meetings.
3. Maintain awareness of the divisions within the agency and its internal resources.
4. Improve knowledge about current best practices for various diagnoses and mental health concerns through research.
5. Maintain case records in an accurate and timely manner per all WAC, COA, Medicaid and King County requirements.
6. Become familiar with agency and community resources to appropriately refer children, youth, and families.

job requirements

a. Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree in human services field.
2. Licensed with the State of Washington as an Certified Agency Affiliated Counselor (CAAC) or Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
3. Minimum of 1-year relevant work experience with children, youth, and/or families.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

1. Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
2. Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
3. Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment).
4. Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.
5. Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth.
6. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.
7. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. There are no exemptions.

c. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Able to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
3. Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Knowledge of coping skills, crisis intervention, and supportive strategies for individuals experiencing homelessness and trauma.
6. Strong group process and facilitation skills.
7. Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of professionals.
8. Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.
9. Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.