Professional Counselor I

Job Description
General Summary
Under 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 Tasks
The 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.