Mental Health Counselor

Description

The Mental Health Clinician will provide comprehensive, high-quality clinical and school-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults served by APDS and its partners. This role integrates school-based social-emotional support, general outpatient mental health care, and community collaboration to promote academic success, emotional well-being, recovery, and long-term stability.

The clinician will deliver assessments, intervention, treatment planning, and prevention services using evidence-based practices while working collaboratively with schools, families, courts, child-serving systems, and community partners.

Duties/Responsibilities:

School-Based Clinical & Student Support Services

• Provide direct social-emotional and behavioral health services to students through individual and group interventions.
• Conduct assessments to identify student needs and develop appropriate intervention and support plans.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school staff, and families to create supportive learning environments.
• Participate in crisis intervention, case management, and referral services to internal and community-based resources.
• Support student attendance, retention, and academic success through advocacy, monitoring, and resource coordination.
• Participate in the development and implementation of IEPs and 504 Plans, as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Provide consultation and training to school staff related to social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and behavioral interventions.
• All other duties as requested 

General Mental Health & Clinical Services 

• Conduct comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments, including readiness for change. 
• Develop individualized treatment and prevention plans aligned with identified clinical needs. 
• Facilitate individual and group counseling addressing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, anger/anxiety management, domestic violence behaviors, and trauma-related concerns. 
• Utilize evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and ASAM Criteria for substance use disorders. 
• Provide ongoing client advocacy and facilitate access to supportive resources that promote recovery, reintegration, and stability. 
• All other duties as requested 

Collaboration, Documentation & Program Support 

• Collaborate with internal APDS staff, AUS, National Center for Urban Solutions, Franklin County Courts, Franklin County Children Services, and other partners to ensure coordinated care. 
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records, treatment plans, progress notes, and required documentation in accordance with APDS standards. 
• Participate in data collection, reporting, quality assurance, and peer review activities. 
• Assist with program development, curriculum enhancement, and implementation of best practices across school-based and community services. 

Organizational & Professional Responsibilities 

• Maintain required productivity levels and complete all documentation within designated timeframes. 
• Provide professional, timely correspondence with authorized contacts regarding student and client progress. 
• Participate in scheduled supervision sessions, all-staff meetings, and assigned committees.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and/or Peer Review sessions (weekly or monthly, as assigned). 
• Maintain compliance with all APDS/AUS and partner policies and procedures. 
• Complete a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of relevant training annually. 
• Support student/client retention strategies across programs. 
• Serve as a substitute facilitator in other APDS programs as qualified and requested. 
• Participate in and support APDS/AUS activities and community events. 
• All staff are required to maintain work schedules that adhere to APDS operating hours in order to meet client service needs
• This includes, at minimum, one designated on-site workday per week through close of business
• Requests for deviation from this requirement will not be approved. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program OR Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or addiction counseling program. 
• Valid Ohio license through the CSWMFT Board: 

• Eligible for or currently holding an Ohio Department of Education Five-Year Pupil Services License or Registration (School Social Work). 
• Demonstrated experience working with children, adolescents, families, and/or justice-involved individuals. 
• Strong communication, collaboration, and clinical documentation skills. 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practices, and integrated support systems. 
• Ability to meet background check and drug-free workplace requirements. 

Skills and Competencies 

• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation. 
• Efficient use of computer word processing programs, email, and internet
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
• Demonstrates maturity and professionalism within interpersonal relationships 
• Effective independent time management and prioritization skills 
• Experience working at or collaborating with family centered organizations 
• Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and ethical decision-making. 
• Experience working within the criminal justice system or with justice-involved individuals.