Pediatric Mental Health Counselor

Position Title:  Pediatric Mental Health Counselor

Supervisor:  Chief Executive Officer

Department:  Compass Community Health

Work Location: Coles Blvd

Supervises:  Not Applicable

Date Effective:   February 2023

JOB SUMMARY

A Pediatric Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing assessments, determining the appropriateness of service, and providing direct treatment services. Must also complete paperwork and provide case management functions as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are duties, which are essential or primary to the position or the reason the position exists.  An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Performs an integral role in carrying out the mission of Compass Community Health by performing the following duties:

1. Conducts diagnostic assessments and determine patient appropriateness for service. Gathers information on individuals and identifies patients’ strengths, weaknesses, needs, and problems in order to formulate appropriate treatment plans.

 2. Conducts intensive individual counseling sessions with patients on a one-to-one basis; ensure the flow of patient care during treatment. Ensures individual treatment plan is appropriate to patient’s needs and being implemented properly.

 3. Provides written documentation of patient activity, develops treatment plans, and written updates in order to maintain compliance with required standards, and provides documentation for billing of services. Initiates all correspondence and paperwork related to assessments and patient service reports (i.e., letters, progress notes, etc.).

 4. Provides input to the treatment team regarding the development of treatment plans and patient progress. Meets with clinical staff and Medical Director for review, input, and consultation into the patient plan.

 5. Provides case management services, such as community linkage and development of resources for patients.  

 6. Ensures all services rendered as well as ongoing business processes and operations are managed and conducted legally, ethically, in accordance with the highest professional standards and best practices.

 7. Implements and upholds all policies of the organization and ensures that all operations are consistent with the stated mission and direction set forth by the Board of Directors.

 8. Ensures that all operations are performed within accreditation standards and corporate policy.

 9. Completes periodic competency testing and ensures adequate training is maintained to ensure high-quality clinical care.

10. Ensures a safe environment for patients and employees through adherence to safety policies, as well as through safety education and periodic drills.

RELATIONSHIPS

1. Works with organizational leadership to foster and maintain a professional culture that promotes mutual respect and collaborative working relationships.

2. Resolves conflicts and ensures that all employees perform their duties in a manner consistent with organizational policies, procedures, and best practices associated with their respective disciplines.

3. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with staff throughout the organization.
    

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides ongoing therapy to adults including children, adolescents, and young adults.

2. Conducts psychological, cognitive, and educational evaluations.

3. Provides feedback to multidisciplinary staff and families (if the applicable license is held).

4. Participates in consultation and collaborative meetings with physicians, other therapists, school personnel, and other professionals within the field.

5. Has the opportunity for outreach and other programmatic planning if desired and within clinical scope.

6. Complies with state and federal drug laws as regulated by the state board of pharmacy, the drug enforcement administration, and any other applicable agencies.

7. Maintains accurate records.

8. Studies existing and new legislation; anticipates legislation and advises management on needed actions.

9. Adheres to infection-control protocols.

10. Demonstrates understanding/practice of confidentiality in performing tasks.

11. Positively represents the program through appropriate interaction, personal appearance, and attitude.

12. Collects information in a thorough manner as applicable from clients/community.

13. Participates in scheduled care team huddles for pre-visit planning, when requested.

14. Accurately provides information regarding program services.

15. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times as required by 42 CFR and HIPAA. Safeguards healthcare consumer privacy and confidentiality with respect to communication, documentation, and data.

16. Able to use electronic health records to retrieve relevant information and to document care concisely.

17. Considers clinical and cost-effectiveness in decision-making about the organization and delivery of services.

18. Work closely with Occupational and Speech Therapy to provide collaborative services for a variety of pediatric behavioral health needs. 

19. Participates in the development and implementation of an appropriate assessment-based interdisciplinary treatment plan.

20. Administer and score developmental testing assessments including but not limited to ADOS-2, CARS, ASRS, and other tests in relation to behavioral development.

21. Conduct IQ testing. 

22. Provides education and resources for patients and family members.

23. Consults with team managers, statutory and voluntary agencies, and patient relative to ensure compliance with a patient treatment plan.

24. Acts as a liaison with patients, families, community support workers, and facilities to obtain information and facilitate plans of care.

25. Facilitate referrals to appropriate internal and/or external resources when necessary.

26. Participates in continuing professional education, departmental meetings, and teaching.

Other duties as assigned.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

Secondary functions are duties, which are not exclusive to the position and can be performed by other positions. Secondary duties are as follows:
    

 1. Perform any other duties as assigned.

2. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals including patients, family members, and other providers.

3. Explain to patients and families the roles and responsibilities of each team member and how they will work together to provide services.

4. Remain fluent in terminology pertaining to a healthcare setting.

5. Respect and respond to the leadership displayed by other providers in a healthcare setting or team.

6. Facilitate collaborative care by sharing relevant information with others through communications that are authorized by the patient and are permissible under HIPPA and related laws, regulations, and policies.

7. Assess the nature of the patient’s family and social support system that has an impact on healthcare.

8. Ensure the flow and exchange of information among the patient, family members, and linked providers.

9. Support patients in considering and accessing complementary and alternative services designed to support health and wellness.

10. Provide information, education, guidance, and support to family members and other caregivers.

11. Establish and pursue individual and team-based improvement goals.

12. Foster and value diversity in terms of the composition of the team members in all roles.

 

COMPETENCIES

1. Demonstrated knowledge/skill of clinical practice and performance, including a thorough knowledge of diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and counseling interventions.

2. Ability in the area of effective communication, and interpersonal skills.

3. Ability to make decisions and to demonstrate sound judgment.

4. Ability to effectively manage self and tasks for maximum efficiency.

5. Ability to complete all required documentation in accordance with agency policy.

6. Knowledge of federal and state laws, and public and private resources pertaining to counseling services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

1. Active LISW licensure is preferred with a strong interest in those seeking a Telemedicine delivery method. LSW, LPC, LPCC with their willingness to obtain Independent status considered.

 2. Prior counseling experience in outpatient or inpatient settings is preferred.

 3. Degree in Social Work or related field required.

 4. Prior experience working with the pediatric population is required. 

 5. Maintains applicable agency training.

 6. Valid Ohio Motor Vehicle License required and ability to maintain insurability.

 7. Maintain CPR/First Aid training.

Compass Community Health is the employer of choice for those working within the FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) continuum in Southern Ohio.

We offer:

Above Market Compensation Packages

Health benefits with a small employee contribution
401K employer contribution 

Paid holidays and vacation
Great work-life balance
Student loan and tuition repayment opportunities