Mental Health Counselor

ABOUT JFS

Jewish Family Service (JFS) is a nonprofit, social service organization that supports all Utahns as they navigate life's challenges. Since 1872, JFS has strengthened individuals and families of all backgrounds through counseling, advocacy, care management, and community education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Counselor will be responsible for performing psychotherapy services including assessment, treatment plan development, crisis and discharge planning as well as individual, group and family counseling for clients. The Mental Health Counselor prepares, reviews and signs all clinical documentation promptly. They will also act as a clinical consultant to the treatment team as indicated and will collaborate with outside agencies as required in delivering services. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide psychotherapy specific to the client's identified treatment needs through individual, family or group therapy. This could include, but not be limited to, trauma-focused treatment, CBT, play therapy and other evidenced-based treatments
• Provide client advocacy and assistance when appropriate to the client's clinical progress
• Ensure that each client has appropriate clinical documentation, including but not limited to, clinical assessments, individualized treatment plans, progress notes, crisis plans and discharge plans
• Meet treatment standards as specified in contracts or special grants, and agency protocols in terms of timeliness of service, number and duration of services provided, and timeliness of paperwork and reporting completion
• Adhere to agency protocols, legal and contract requirements, and professional standards regarding documentation and electronic record keeping
• When clinically appropriate, advocate and assist clients in seeking other appropriate services or supports in the community
• Collaborate with outside agencies when necessary for the treatment of the client
• Attend weekly supervision as directed by Director of Professional Services

WORK HOURS, SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY

This position primarily works traditional office hours to meet the needs of the agency.  

COMMUNICATION AND INTERFACE

• Engage in respectful and ongoing communication and problem solving with others
• Act as a positive and professional ambassador for the Agency both internally and in the greater community
• Collaborate and consult with other staff members and participate in supervision on therapeutic practices and case presentation
• Coordinate and collaborate with outside agencies and services when needed as part of the client's therapy and treatment planning
• Establish positive therapeutic relationships with clients
• Deliver high quality service in a wide range of situations
• Adherence to highest ethical standards
• Ability to work with and engage in service with difficult and/or ambivalent individuals and families
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and willingness to incorporate feedback moving forward
• Demonstrate cultural competency by communicating and working effectively with those from diverse backgrounds and creating and sustaining an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can succeed

REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family counseling, or related behavioral health field
• Must be licensed in the State of Utah at the associate level or eligible for state licensure (i.e., demonstrate having passed the licensure exam or approval by the Utah Board of Behavioral Health to take the licensure exam) at the time of hire and obtain licensure within six months of hire
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-language environment and be able to work through translation services if not fluent in a second language
• Must be able to work in a team approach and value collaborative partnerships with families and professionals equally
• Ability to pass a background check and obtain a Level 1 fingerprint clearance card
• Valid Utah driver's license
• Working knowledge of community resources
• Strong written, verbal, presentation and communication skills
• Positive attitude, proactive mentality, responsive, and strong work ethic
• Ability to safeguard confidential information and perform with a high-level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at once, be detail-oriented, and work well under deadlines