Mental Health Counselor

DESCRIPTION

The Mental Health Counselor will counsel individuals and groups to promote optimum Mental Health. The Mental Health Counselor will help individuals deal with thoughts of suicide; addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; problems with self-esteem; and issues associated with aging and mental and emotional health.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsels clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes. Maintains confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
• Guides clients in the development of skills and strategies to deal with their problems. Encourages clients to express their feelings and to discuss what is happening in their lives and helps them develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
• Collects information about clients through interviews, observations, and tests. Prepares and maintains treatment records and reports.
• Evaluates clients’ physical or mental condition based on review of client information to complete assessments. Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Acts as a client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, and cultures and their history and origins.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, or other Behavioral Health related field
• Hold an active Mental Health License with the State of New Mexico’s Regulation and Licensing department. May be licensed as:
  1. New Mexico State independent licensure as a Master's or doctorate level Mental Health Counselor, social worker, or psychologist is required (LPCC, LISW, LCSW, LMFT, or LCP)
  2. New Mexico State non-independent licensure as a Master's level Mental Health Counselor, social worker, or psychologist is required (LMHC, LAMFT, LPC, or LMSW)
  3. Employee is responsible for obtaining continuing education to maintain appropriate licensure.
• Two (2) years’ experience is preferred.
• Must be able to pass CYFD background check
• Hold a New Mexico License and clear Criminal Records Check are required.
• A valid New Mexico driver’s license and successfully passing a driver’s background check.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability is preferred but not required.