Senior Counselor - Per Diem

Overview

The Senior Counselor of Hampstead Hospital establishes and reviews the development of therapeutic relationships with assigned patients and facilitates the maintenance of the therapeutic environment in the Psychiatric Unit. Additionally, they are responsible for providing and developing patient care services and assisting the supervisor in guiding and mentoring Counselors and Support personnel.

Responsibilities

1. Orients newly hired counselors and per-diem counselors on job responsibilities and provides feedback to the Administrative Supervisor and/or Unit Administrative Manager. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Satisfactorily performs medical records and other documentation in accordance with all Joint Commission 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.
7. Participates in HH safety training programs and Performance Improvement Activities (PIA) and ensures that newly hired counselors and per-diem counselors comply with plans/participation.

Qualifications

1. 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.
2. Three years' experience in social work, clinical mental health counseling, or a related field in a psychiatric in-patient or clinical environment. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
3. Preferred 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.

Required Licensure/Certifications

1. None