Behavioral Health Counselor 1st shift

Behavioral Health Counselor - full-time - 1st shift - Mon-Fri

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non‑profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain with seven locations throughout the city and in Waterbury. We partner with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.

Compensation Range: The salary range for this position starts at $21 per hour.

Position Summary: The Behavioral Health Counselor serves as an active part of a multidisciplinary team that provides outpatient assessment and clinical treatment services to children, adolescents, families and adults who present with a wide range of significant behavioral health needs. Treatment is aimed at assisting individuals and families by helping them develop the skills necessary to improve their quality of life.

• Performs comprehensive intake assessment that results in diagnosis and recommendations for psychiatric and substance abuse treatment for children, adolescents, adults and/or families and assists with appropriate referrals and linkage to other services, if appropriate.
• Develops achievable treatment plan goals with child, adult and/or family; with measurable and behavioral objectives within designated time frames.
• Monitors treatment progress and provides updates within identified time frames and as necessary.
• Performs individual, family and group treatment utilizing evidence based practices to facilitate positive strength‑based change.
• Collaborates and coordinates with external agencies such as schools, PCPs, DCF, probation, court and other social service agencies in a timely manner.
• Responds to crisis situations and triages appropriately, communicating clearly with professionals – internal and external – to meet presenting client needs.
• Secures reimbursement by obtaining authorizations, providing accurate documentation and submitting progress notes in a timely manner. Completes documentation within designated time frames as established by CMHA and external regulatory agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Valid DMV license.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health discipline.
• Must be actively in a masters level program focusing on degree in behavioral health discipline.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Successful experience working with the co‑occurring population in individual and group treatment.
• Beginner to intermediate experience with Microsoft Office products including Word and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance packages.
• 403(b)-retirement savings plan with CMHA matching starting after 1 year of service.
• 11 observed holidays.
• 3 Well‑being days off on a Friday throughout the year to extend a long weekend.
• 2 CHMA/Personal days to use throughout the calendar year.
• Up to 24 days of PTO that increases with years of service.
• Paid agency closure between Christmas and New Year’s (except 24/7 programs)
  * must be approved annually.
• Company paid Life Insurance and Long Term Disability.
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers counseling, coaching, and wellness resources for staff as well as members of their household.
• Higher education tuition discounts at participating schools through the Alliance’s academic partnerships.
• Free ongoing professional development opportunities and continuous access to Continuing Education Units (CEUs), featuring comprehensive training in Evidence‑Based Practices, such as EMDR, DBT, and CBT.
• Employee discounts for shopping, the New Britain YMCA, travel, and entertainment.
• Free employee subscriptions to the calm app.
• Annual Company Picnic.
• CMHA-sponsored Loan Reimbursement Program and Scholarship Program.
• Free Student Loan Wellness for eligible employees and their family members access to:
  • Student loan consolidation and refinancing.
  • Loan payoff projection dashboard.
  • Coaching and support via…