Professional Counselor I

Job DescriptionGeneral SummaryUnder general supervision, provides psychological and therapeutic intervention services to patients with mental illness in a psychiatric setting. Applies the science of psychology to the problems of investigating, understanding and modifying human behavior and adjustment. Serves as a member of the professional treatment team, participates in staff discussions of patient diagnoses, treatment and progress, as indicated. Maintains the highest level of clinical standards and good public relations.Principal Responsibilities and TasksThe following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Provides advanced psychological, mental health and case management services to a caseload of the most difficult and complex cases. Conducts clinical practice independently but participates in peer supervision and review.
• Assesses the patient's psychological and psychosocial status in relation to the expressed mental health needs of the patient and plans appropriate interventions and treatment goals to improve the patient's / family functioning in accordance with accepted clinical practice.
• Provides individual, play, family and group therapies, cognitive behavioral approaches, crisis intervention, as appropriate, to an assigned caseload of patients.
• Implements individual treatment plans as recommended by the clinical treatment team.
• Documents clinical interventions and patient's progress in the medical record through progress notes and review / reformulation of treatment plans. Conducts initial intake interviews and diagnostic assessments and presents these findings to the multidisciplinary clinical team for formulation of treatment plans.
• Consults with other disciplines to ensure adequate case management services are identified and addressed.
• Provides appropriate discharge planning and referral when clinically appropriate.
• Provides consultation and education to clinical staff regarding psychological testing and assessment issues. May conduct psychological testing for registered patients or act as a liaison with other providers regarding testing.
• Provides consultation and educational services to community agencies as needed.
• Participates in interdisciplinary conferences with appropriate medical, nursing, social work and administrative staff.
• Conducts research activities in areas of expertise and act as a consultant to other clinical staff in this regard as necessary.
• Participates in program, departmental meetings and activities as assigned.QualificationsEducation and Experience
• Licensed as (LCSW, LCSW-C).Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Proficient knowledge of mental health treatment and case management is necessary. Expert knowledge of the theories and principles of psychology, human growth and development, interview techniques, and psychological testing is required.
• Proficient organization and problem-solving skills; ability to resolve difficult conflict-oriented situations for the common good.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are required to interact with patients, families, interns, administrative and professional staff.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age-specific needs.Patient Safety
• Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.Additional Information. PandoLogic. Category : Healthcare, Keywords : Family Physician, Location : La Plata, MD-20646