Mental Health Counselor

Description

Position Description 

The Mental Health Counselor provides comprehensive mental health services to individuals and groups within GMHC’s OMH-licensed Article 31 outpatient clinic. This role involves assessing the mental health needs of clients—many of whom are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS—and connecting them with appropriate services and resources to address their medical and psychosocial needs. 

As part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, the Mental Health Counselor plays a vital role in monitoring client progress, coordinating services, and developing individualized care plans that integrate both mental health and medical care to enhance overall well-being. This position also plays a crucial role in reducing barriers to care, connecting clients with medical, mental health, and housing services, and advocating for their needs. 

This is an opportunity for a compassionate and motivated professional to make a meaningful impact on individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges while working in an inclusive and supportive environment. 

Essential Job Functions 

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job: 

Client Assessment & Treatment Planning 

• In collaboration with and under the guidance of the Clinical Supervisor, conduct comprehensive mental health assessments to evaluate presenting symptoms, determine diagnostic impressions, and develop appropriate treatment plans. This process includes: 
• Clinical Interviews: Engaging clients in structured and unstructured interviews to gather information about their mental health history, current symptoms, psychosocial stressors, and overall functioning. 
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Utilizing DSM-5 criteria to assess mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. 
• Risk Assessment: Evaluating suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors, homicidal ideation, and other high-risk concerns, ensuring appropriate safety planning and crisis intervention if necessary. 
• Psychosocial Assessment: Exploring factors such as family dynamics, employment status, financial concerns, housing stability, medical history, and social support systems that may influence mental health. 
• Cognitive and Emotional Screening: Observing thought patterns, affect, behavior, and cognitive functioning to detect potential neurocognitive disorders, psychotic symptoms, or emotional dysregulation. 

Counseling & Psychotherapy Services 

• Provide individual, couples, and family counseling using evidence-based therapeutic interventions. 
• Develop and facilitate psychotherapy and/or support groups to address the mental health and wellness needs of clients. 
• Assist clients in identifying, building, and maintaining support systems, both within the agency and through external resources. 

Care Coordination & Collaboration 

• Work closely with in-house and external mental health providers to coordinate comprehensive mental health services. 
• Consult with multidisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists, primary care providers, social workers, and case managers to ensure integrated treatment planning across the continuum of care. 
• Participate in monthly case reviews and internal chart audits, providing timely feedback and updates as required. 

Crisis Intervention & Client Support 

• Provide crisis intervention services, including client assessments, brief counseling, referrals, and follow-up care as needed. 
• Ensure proper documentation and notification of crisis situations, including communication with relevant staff and supervisors. 
• Maintain an empathetic, client-centered approach to crisis situations, ensuring appropriate interventions are implemented. 

Documentation & Compliance 

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all client interactions, assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with program and regulatory standards. 
• Track and report required statistics related to counseling sessions, client outcomes, and program performance. 

Requirements

Special Skills and Knowledge 

Required: 

• Strong clinical expertise in working with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, mental health conditions, and substance use/misuse. 
• Deep understanding of harm reduction, recovery-based models of care, and trauma-informed approaches. 
• Experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color (POC) and LGBTQ+ individuals. 
• Familiarity with psychiatric care, vocational training, and intensive treatment options to support holistic client well-being. 
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team. 

Preferred: 

• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred. 
• Previous experience in an OMH-licensed Article 31 clinic or similar mental health setting. 
• Knowledge of New York State mental health regulations and reporting requirements. 

Education and Certification 

• Master's degree in social work, Mental Health Counseling, or Doctoral degree in Psychology required. 
• Must have New York State licensure or permit allowing the provision of psychotherapy (e.g., LMSW, LMHC, LCSW). 
• SIFI-eligible is preferred for social work candidates. 

Technical Skills 

The ideal candidate should have the following technical competencies to effectively manage case documentation, reporting, and client services: 

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including:? 
• Data tracking and analysis for case management and program reporting.? 
• Creating and managing spreadsheets to monitor client progress and deliverables.? 
• Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation to ensure accuracy in documentation.? 
• Basic Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including:? 
• Outlook (email communication, scheduling, and coordination with service providers).? 
• Word (creating case notes, service plans, and official correspondence).? 
• PowerPoint (preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders).? 
• Experience with electronic case management and data tracking systems, such as:? 
• eCOMPAS, AWARDS, or similar platforms for documentation and compliance reporting.? 
• Data entry and management to ensure contract deliverables are accurately recorded.? 
• Familiarity with government benefit systems and entitlement programs, including:? 
• Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP, and Housing Assistance Programs.? 
• Ability to navigate online portals and submit required client documentation.? 
• Strong documentation and compliance skills, ensuring:? 
• Accurate case notes and service plans in adherence to regulatory requirements.? 
• Confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and other legal protections 

Work Environment & Schedule 

This is a hybrid position requiring a mix of:  

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weeknights to accommodate client needs. 
• In-office duties – Client appointments, team meetings, case conferencing, and reporting. 
• Remote work - as determined by the supervisor and based on program needs. 
• Participation in the annual AIDS Walk New York event is mandatory for all GMHC staff. 

Physical Demands  

While carrying out the responsibilities of this role:  

• Employee is routinely required to sit, engage in conversation, actively listen, and take notes. 

GMHC supports a racially and gender-diverse environment which contributes to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that we serve.  

GMHC is committed to fostering an inclusive, racially, and gender-diverse workplace and seeks candidates dedicated to promoting equity and social justice within our community.