Mental Health Counselor

Job Title

Mental Health Counselor

West Des Moines (3 days a week) and Ankeny (2 days a week)

Clinical Supervisor

The Mental Health Counselor will provide integrated mental health counseling services primarily to individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders. This role requires a licensed professional with expertise in treating mental health issues and substance use disorders. The counselor is dedicated to helping clients achieve their recovery goals by offering support, guidance, and education tailored to their needs.

• Assesses clients referred for substance abuse and mental health evaluations and makes appropriate treatment recommendations.
• Provides individual and group counseling to patients. Utilizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support clients in their recovery journey. Implements evidence-based curricula identified as appropriate by management. Facilitates group therapy sessions to provide clients with peer support and education. Creates a safe and supportive environment for clients to share experiences and strategies for recovery.
• Maintains a client caseload in accordance with assigned duties.
• Attends staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training workshops as required.
• Develops individualized treatment plans and monitors clients' progress and adjusts treatment plans as necessary.
• Evaluates treatment plans and defines goals with patients served as required by level of care.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes. Completes and maintains accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• Collaborates treatment functions with outside agencies. Coordinates activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies as necessary.
• Applies supervisor of problems encountered in caseloads.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain licensure and stay current with best practices in mental health and substance use disorder counseling.
• Monitors and provides coverage for agency crisis line.
• Interprets referral paperwork to determine appropriate level of care.
• Will secure an individual NPI number within 30 days of employment.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in social work, mental health or related field.
• Current licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent in the state of Iowa. If temporarily licensed (T), must achieve independent licensing within 3 years of hire.
• Strong understanding of the principles of integrated treatment for mental health and co-occurring disorders.
• Demonstrated expertise in mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Must adhere to agency policy and procedures, engage in critical thinking, and utilize problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and handle sensitive information confidentially.

• Independently Licensed as an independent social worker (LISW) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) or temporary LMHC.
• Experience with group facilitation.
• Additional certification or training in substance use disorder counseling (e.g., Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).
• Experience working in a clinical setting with clients who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Familiarity with CARF standards.

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• A valid driver's license is required. Liability insurance or an equivalent means of reliable personal transportation and coverage as travel within the state of Iowa may be necessary.

Competitive hourly wage and benefits package. Clinical supervision for licensure is offered at no cost to you.

UCS Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and advancement opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, or veteran status.