Clinical Counselor

Description:Position Summary

The Clinical Counselor is responsible for providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment services to individuals receiving services through a Kentucky-licensed Behavioral Health Services Organization (BHSO) and Alcohol and Other Drug Entity (AODE). The Clinical Counselor provides assessments, diagnoses, treatment planning, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, crisis intervention, and discharge planning in accordance with Kentucky regulations, Medicaid requirements, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.

The Clinical Counselor serves as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and supports a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, person-centered approach to care.

Essential FunctionsClinical Assessment and Diagnosis

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and comprehensive clinical evaluations.
• Conduct substance use disorder assessments utilizing ASAM Criteria.
• Complete diagnostic assessments utilizing DSM-5-TR criteria.
• Assess risk factors including suicide risk, homicide risk, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and safety concerns.
• Develop clinical recommendations and level-of-care determinations.

Treatment Planning

• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives.
• Review and update treatment plans according to regulatory and payer requirements.
• Coordinate treatment planning with clients, families, referral sources, and treatment team members.

Counseling and Therapeutic Services

• Provide individual psychotherapy.
• Facilitate group counseling and psychoeducational groups.
• Provide family therapy and family education services.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services.
• Deliver evidence-based treatment interventions including:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Recovery-Oriented Services

Substance Use Disorder Services

• Provide outpatient substance use disorder counseling.
• Provide Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services as assigned.
• Coordinate care with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers.
• Assist clients with relapse prevention planning and recovery support services.
• Collaborate with peer support specialists and recovery coaches.

Documentation Responsibilities

• Complete all documentation within established timeframes.
• Maintain accurate and complete clinical records.
• Complete:
  • Assessments
  • Progress Notes
  • Treatment Plans
  • Treatment Plan Reviews
  • Crisis Documentation
  • Group Notes
  • Discharge Summaries
  • Outcome Measures
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate services with medical providers, schools, courts, social service agencies, and community partners.
• Participate in case staffing and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Facilitate referrals to higher or lower levels of care as clinically indicated.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Comply with all applicable:
  • Kentucky BHSO regulations
  • Kentucky AODE regulations
  • Medicaid requirements
  • Accreditation standards
  • Federal and state laws
• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Cooperate with internal audits, external audits, and accreditation reviews.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree or higher in Counseling from an accredited institution.

Licensure

Must possess one of the following unrestricted Kentucky licenses:

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Experience

• One (1) year of behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment experience preferred.
• Experience in outpatient behavioral health, community mental health, IOP, MAT, or substance use disorder treatment preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria.
• Knowledge of Kentucky Medicaid behavioral health regulations.
• Knowledge of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Ability to facilitate therapeutic groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.