Mental Health Counselor

Job Responsibilities :

Collaborate effectively with individuals, families, and community agencies to identify issues and assist in developing coping skills that support progress toward treatment goals.

Uphold patient rights and confidentiality in strict accordance with HIPAA regulations and UHS policies, ensuring trust and privacy in all interactions.

Assess learning needs of patients, families, and support systems, providing education on treatment adherence, mental illness diagnoses, smoking cessation, and the importance of follow‐up care for positive health outcomes.

Actively participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team by attending daily treatment planning sessions and other assigned committees as needed.

Accurately document all assessments, interventions, and progress toward rehabilitation goals on individualized care plans within three days of patient admission, following UHS documentation standards.

Develop and facilitate therapeutic group and individual counseling sessions within scope of practice, and assist patients in connecting or maintaining connections to work, school, and outpatient services.

Position Qualifications :

Minimum Required :

Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling or Creative Arts Therapy

Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor or Creative Arts Therapist in New York State or eligible to be licensed;

holds a license in another state with reciprocity with New York State. New York license is a requirement within 4 months of hire date

Preferred :

Previous experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting requiring knowledge of DSM V.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in an inpatient setting. Inpatient work is in an office environment and patient areas which require working in proximity to other employees and patients. Rooms are air conditioned and heated. Elevators are available but stairs may need to be used in emergency situations.
• Frequent sitting with periods of standing and walking.
• PPE (Eyewear, Masks, Face shields, Shoe covers, and Gloves) as required by UHS Hospitals Infection Control policies.

Age of Patients Served

HIPAA Roles‐Based Access to Patient Information