Counselor (47735)

Salary Range $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary / year

Position Type Full Time

Education Level Graduate Degree

Description

Position Summary :

The Counselor serves as a member of the Treatment team of WestCare Tennessee. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Counselor to join our team at our Outpatient / Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic. The Counselor will provide individual and group counseling services, assessments, treatment plans, coordinated care, daily notes, and clinical support to individuals, including those with severe mental illness, substance use disorders (SUD), co-occurring conditions, and suicidal ideation. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on clients' recovery journeys by offering therapeutic interventions, emotional support, and guidance in a safe environment. The Counselor will collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care while ensuring clinical compliance with relevant regulations.

Essential Job Functions :

Embraces and embodies the mission, vision, guiding principles, and goals of WestCare Tennessee.

Align clinical and treatment approach with WestCare Tennessee values, ethics, and code of business.

Work closely with medical professionals (physicians, nurses, etc.) to ensure a coordinated approach to treatment.

Help clients integrate MAT with other therapeutic services for comprehensive recovery support.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, goals, and interventions, ensuring patient progress and safety.

Perform thorough assessments, including biopsychosocial evaluations, and document all clinical interactions and treatment plans within established timelines.

Provide psychoeducation to clients about substance use, recovery, and MAT.

Offer referrals to community resources as needed, including support groups, housing, and vocational services.

Collaborate with other clinical staff to ensure care for each patient.

Responds to emergencies, crisis situations, and acute mental health needs, providing appropriate interventions.

Monitor and review the treatment progress of patients, offering recommendations for ongoing care or specialized services.

Ensure confidentiality and comply with all regulatory and ethical standards, including HIPAA.

Communicate with the case management, who will provide referrals and follow-up to ensure continuity of care.

Participate in team meetings, contributing to discussions about treatment planning, patient progress, and clinical concerns.

Maintain current knowledge of state and federal regulations related to mental health and substance use care.

Facilitate peer review of individuals files on designated times and provide written report of performance and corrective action to Project Director, as required.

Coordinates with staff regarding program participant follow-up and adherence to psychotropic regimens as required.

Maintain strong professional relationship boundaries with individuals served and organizations / community agencies who refer individuals to WestCare Tennessee.

Attend necessary monthly integrated staff team meetings.

Perform additional tasks that support a productive office workflow as deemed necessary by the Medication Assistance Treatment Program for co-occurring disorders and alcohol and drug treatment.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications :

Certifications / Licenses :

Licensed Professional Counselor- Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist (LCPT) licensure is preferred.

In lieu of a licensure applicant can be a graduate from a Master’s program actively pursuing licensure.

Valid driver’s license.

Education :

• Graduation from a relevant Master’s or Doctoral-level educational program in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or other field related to the position required.

Experience and Competencies :

1-2 years of experience collaborating with individuals suffering from substance and / or alcohol use in a clinical setting required.

Experience working in a similar role is preferred.

Knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction recovery, and Medication-Assisted Treatment protocols.

Experience with therapeutic modalities such as CBT, MI, and other therapeutic interventions.

The ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, volunteers, clients and families is required.

Bilingual (English / Spanish) is a plus.

Ability to mentor, coach, and train required.

The ability to remain calm in stressful situations is required.

Skilled in conflict resolution required.

Ability to work well, both individually and as part of a team required.

Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously required.

Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion required.

Adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct required.

Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Some experience with Clinical Database Systems.

Ability to work well in a team environment.

Ability to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and confidentiality.

Ability to stay highly organized and maintain time management.

Ability to utilize a computer and software that includes Microsoft 365.

Working Conditions :

Work is primarily performed in an office indoor setting.

Some activities with travel will be required.

Some travel will be required for training and conferences.

Regular and prompt attendance is required throughout employment.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation :

Physical Demands :

Requires mobility and physical activity : Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to fifty pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and proper utilization by hand (typing, writing, and working with files).

Requires talking : Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or promptly.

Requires hearing : Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.

Requires seeing : Clarity of vision including proper eyewear at 20 inches or less and at distance.

The normal work routine involves possible exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

Mental Demands :

Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.

Requires the ability to work and cooperate with co-workers, managers, and the public at all levels to exchange ideas, information, instructions, and opinions.