Working independently and with minimal supervision, provides counseling/therapy services in school-based Adolescent Health Center, assisting adolescents in defining their social, emotional, and environmental needs; and enabling adolescents to recognize and utilize internal and external resources to address issues and problems and resolve needs. Responsible for delivery of care through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of services. Collaborates and consults with multidisciplinary team to achieve desirable outcomes for adolescents, their families and school community.  There is potential for the National Health Service Corp. Tuition Loan Reimbursement.  Pay will be based on licensure, experience, and qualifications. Limited License starting wage is $27.22/hr. Fully Licensed starting wage is $30.14.

  This position can be 32 hours per week or full-time 40 hours per week.  If 32 hours per week the mental health counselor will be at the Manton Schools Wellness Center 3 days providing therapeutic services to students (Elementary through High School), and 1 day providing services at Mesick Elementary School.  If 40 hours per week they will be in Mesick Schools 2 days per week and Manton Schools 3 days per week.

Essential Duties

• Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessment of adolescents to identify sources of issues or problems, and determine appropriate paths to optimum mental, emotional and physical health.
• Works closely with all members of adolescent health team in developing comprehensive treatment plans to meet identified needs of adolescent clients. Monitors and evaluates client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
• Provides short-term, goal-oriented counseling to address identified needs and to explore available options; involving family members as necessary.
• Works with adolescent, family and other team members in conducting comprehensive needs assessment, which includes gathering and assessing information regarding the client’s needs, mental health status, support systems, and available financial, community and governmental resources.
• Responsible for coordination of mental health counseling/therapy services.
• Maintains pertinent and timely documentation of assessments, plans and interventions.
• Collects and maintains information for quality assurance indicators as required.
• Organizes and provides assigned program-specific social services and supports to individuals and/or families, directly or through referrals to appropriate services.
• Maintains professional working relationship with adolescents, families, staff members, medical providers and school staff.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs all other duties as assigned or in response to emergencies, workload or staffing shortages.
• Maintains professional knowledge, and keeps current on assigned program requirements, regulations, protocols, and practices to ensure continual compliance and quality improvement.
• Represents agency or clinic at school, community, governmental or public functions and forums as needed.
• Maintains up-to-date vaccines including flu (influenza,) in accordance with CDC guidelines: Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers.

Why work here?

As local public health, we protect and promote the highest level of health possible for the communities we serve.  Our positive work culture is strengthened by our commitment to making all employees feel valued and respected.

Our values:

• Customer Service
• Communication
• Responsibility and Accountability
• Positive Attitude
• Integrity

What we offer:

• Family-first company culture
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Days Off (PDO)
• Personal Days
• Competitive Insurance – 3 options to choose from
• Dental and Vision
• MERS Retirement Plan
• Professional Development opportunities
• Employer Paid Short/Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Weeks 5-12 50% paid Maternity/Paternity leave

• Masters prepared graduate of an accredited school of social work, counseling, or related program.
• Licensed Master of Social Work or Licensed Professional Counselor by State of Michigan and qualified to receive third-party insurance payments for mental health services. Supervision is provided for those with Limited License.
• Two-three years providing adolescent/family social work in a community health setting preferred.
• Ability to perform role responsibilities with minimal supervision, within scope of practice, and seek guidance from Mental Health Supervisor as needed.
• Demonstrates considerable knowledge of the principles/practices of adolescent psychosocial behavior, and adolescent growth and development theory and best practices.
• Communication skills necessary to interact appropriately with adolescents, parents/guardians, co-workers, school staff, and the public through listening, speaking, and understanding.
• High-level discretion and commitment to comply with established patient confidentiality and health information integrity following policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the ability to work as member of a multi-disciplinary team and collaborate with variety of internal and external contacts in developing and implementing comprehensive assessments and plans of care.
• Emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing and maintaining good working relationships with clients, families, school personnel and AHC team.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Knowledge of general computer/office programs. Ability to learn and effectively utilize software applications relative to the program assignment including the electronic health record.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse communities and families.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills; and ability to analyze and interpret detailed and complex or nuanced qualitative and quantitative data.
• Reliable transportation with valid Michigan driver’s license and certificate of insurance to travel to other locations for work, training, or meetings.