Senior Counselor

Shift Differentials:

2nd Shift Weekdays: $2.75/hr.

2nd shift Weekends: $4.00/hr.

*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS - Under a recent change to the rules, an applicant's relevant experience now counts towards formal education degrees referenced in the posting! See Per 405.1.

18 Months of additional relevant experience = Associate's degree

36 Months of additional relevant experience = Bachelor's degree

54 Months of additional relevant experience = Master's degree

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Hampstead Hospital, has a full-time vacancy for Senior Counselor. This position is subject to renew every year.

The Adolescent Services Unit (ASU) is a 23-bed inpatient unit that provides short-term stabilization for adolescents ages 12-16 with a variety of psychiatric and behavioral disorders including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, oppositional defiance disorder, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, and neurodevelopmental disorders. These individuals are presenting with behaviors that may include suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, intent to harm others, severe emotional dysregulation, and substance use. Group programming is a daily focus for our patients during their stay and focuses on building skills that may be impaired due to existing mental health issues.

SUMMARY:

A Senior Counselor at Hampstead Hospital independently establishes and reviews the development of therapeutic relationships with assigned patients and facilitates the maintenance of the therapeutic environment in the Psychiatric Unit. In addition, they provide and develop patient care services and assist the supervisor in guiding and mentoring Counselors and Support personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Orients newly hired counselors/per diem counselors on job responsibilities and provide feedback to the Milieu Supervisor. The role supports, models, and assists other program staff in reinforcing courteous and safe interactions with all customers and independently applies clinically appropriate interventions with patients.

Plans and builds therapeutic relationships with assigned patients; reviews this process with counselors to aid them in the same. Oversees treatment plans and assesses patient progress toward their goals. Provides patient-centered care that is resiliency and recovery-oriented, with a primary focus on the health and safety of patients.

Develops and conducts patient group education sessions that reflect treatment goals and plans. Facilitates daily therapeutic treatment and activity groups. Maintains a safe and therapeutic milieu and an orderly work environment.

Independently applies psychiatric care knowledge to employ a broad range of established therapeutic techniques. Utilizes interventions consistent with current research relevant to developmental, cultural, and disability-specific needs; reviews the application of these interventions and provides feedback as necessary.

Triages and consults appropriately with other professional treatment staff regarding various treatment interventions, psychosocial and environmental influences, the availability of community resources, and needs for transition to the community. Alerts relevant personnel of any health or safety concerns.

Satisfactorily performs medical records and other documentation in accordance with all Joint Commission, State Licensing, and Medicare standards as applicable. Follows program and departmental policies and procedures as well as discipline-specific standards and expectations regarding psychosocial assessments, progress notes, treatment plans and other required forms and reports.

Promotes hospital culture of patient safety in a non-punitive atmosphere; observes and reports significant events &/or concerns to Program Director/Charge Nurse/Milieu Supervisor.

Participates in hospital safety training programs and Performance Improvement Activities (PIA) and ensures that newly hired counselors/per diem counselors comply with plans/participation.

Leads by example with effective problem-solving and communication skills, and above all, conveys a positive attitude that is instrumental in promoting the values and mission of the hospital.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master’s degree from a recognized college or university with major study in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral science area. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: Three years' experience in social work, clinical mental health counseling, or related field in a psychiatric in-patient or clinical environment. Each additional year

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferer candidate to have a license or be eligible for licensure through reciprocity as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire. Experience in providing clinical services within the mental health service delivery system. Familiarity with computer applications such as e-mail, basic word-processing, and database input.

DISCLAIMERS:

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.

For further information please contact Katherine White, Program Director, Katherine.d.white@dhhs.nh.gov

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

Other Benefits:

o Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

o Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

o State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

o Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

o $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low cost group life insurance

o Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964