Behavioral Health Counselor
2 days ago
Baton Rouge
Job Description JOB PURPOSE: The Behavioral Health Counselor functions under the supervision and guidance of the Behavioral Health Manager. Under the clinical supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor–Supervisor (LPC-S), the Behavioral Health Counselor (PLPC) provides comprehensive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed case management and counseling services to patients by reducing the psychological burdens influenced by their disorder(s). The role focuses on care coordination, psychosocial assessment, service planning, and limited clinical counseling within the PLPC scope of practice, while working toward full licensure. Services are integrated within a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support whole-person care. Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to: Satisfies Core Competencies • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, strengths, and barriers., • Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary care team., • Coordinate internal and external referrals (e.g., behavioral health, medical, housing, benefits, substance use, employment, education)., • Advocate for patients with community partners, social service agencies, and healthcare systems., • Monitor patient progress toward goals and ensure continuity of care through follow-up and outreach., • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, strengths, and barriers., • Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary care team., • Coordinate internal and external referrals (e.g., behavioral health, medical, housing, benefits, substance use, employment, education)., • Advocate for patients with community partners, social service agencies, and healthcare systems., • Monitor patient progress toward goals and ensure continuity of care through follow-up and outreach., • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, strengths, and barriers., • Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary care team., • Coordinate internal and external referrals (e.g., behavioral health, medical, housing, benefits, substance use, employment, education)., • Advocate for patients with community partners, social service agencies, and healthcare systems., • Monitor patient progress toward goals and ensure continuity of care through follow-up and outreach., • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, strengths, and barriers., • Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary care team., • Coordinate internal and external referrals (e.g., behavioral health, medical, housing, benefits, substance use, employment, education)., • Advocate for patients with community partners, social service agencies, and healthcare systems., • Monitor patient progress toward goals and ensure continuity of care through follow-up and outreach., • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, strengths, and barriers., • Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary care team., • Coordinate internal and external referrals (e.g., behavioral health, medical, housing, benefits, substance use, employment, education)., • Advocate for patients with community partners, social service agencies, and healthcare systems., • Monitor patient progress toward goals and ensure continuity of care through follow-up and outreach., • Adheres to organizational infection control policies, including proper hand hygiene, use of PPE when required, and safe interactions in clinical areas., • Follows protocols related to exposure control plans (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens)., • Reports any potential exposure, safety hazard, or incident immediately per agency procedure., • Complies with all safety policies, emergency preparedness plans, and procedures for fire safety, active shooter, natural disasters, etc., • Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and staff., • Participates in mandatory safety, compliance, and emergency response trainings., • Adheres to HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 (for substance use data), and all privacy/security regulations., • Follows all FQHC compliance programs including incident reporting, quality assurance, and risk management protocols., • Responsible for maintaining up-to-date knowledge, skills, and abilities, • Attends and participates in in-service, monthly staff meetings, continuing education offerings, community training events, conferences, and webinars as appropriate, • Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings assigned by supervisor., • Collaborate annually with team members and leadership to review program and departmental policies and procedures (amending as needed)., • Complete 16 hours of HIV orientation training., • Complete 24 hours of annual training in which there are:, • 15 hours of medical training which shall cover the Division of Human Development and Services (DHDS) required topics of Medical Adherence, HIV Disease Process, Oral Health, Risk Reduction/Prevention Strategies (including Substance Abuse Treatment), and Nutrition as well as documentation training., • 6 hours of psychological training which shall include the topics of AIDS and the law, and medically related federal and state benefits programs (e.g. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid), • 3 hours of quality management training, • Maintains CEs as required by the applicable licensing body. Required Education: • Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related behavioral health field., • Current Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) license in the state of Louisiana, or license-eligible and actively pursuing PLPC status., • Ability to practice under the clinical supervision of an LPC-S. All clinical services are provided in accordance with Louisiana licensure laws and supervision requirements for PLPCs., • Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience working in community mental health, integrated care, primary care, or underserved populations preferred. Skills, Licensure, and Knowledge Requirements • Knowledge of case management principles, behavioral health practices, and integrated care models., • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills., • Ability to build rapport with diverse populations and deliver culturally competent services., • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and time management., • Proficiency with EHR systems and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel). Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach., • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work., • Light to moderate lifting is required. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)., • Ability to work in a confined area., • Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time., • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds