Behavioral Health Counselor 1

Overview

Behavioral Health Counselor, Therapy

Full Time, 80 Hours per pay period, Day Shift

One Weekend day

Peninsula Overview:

Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center, has set a new standard for effective, innovative and caring mental health services in East Tennessee. With a combined total of more than 75 years of experience, Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies, and lead healthy, positive and productive lives.

Offering both inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults, Peninsula is a leader in the changing healthcare environment. The hospital is located in Blount County, with outpatient centers in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Sevier Counties. Additionally, Peninsula offers care specifically designed for seniors with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions at the Senior Behavioral Center located at Parkwest Medical Center. Peninsula is truly committed to improving the health of the people and communities it serves.

Therapy:

The Therapy department consists of both licensed and unlicensed Master’s-level therapists.  Therapists function as part of the patient’s interdisciplinary treatment team, working with physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, discharge planners, psychiatric technicians, and others to develop and implement each patient’s plan of care.  Therapists perform such diverse functions such as interfacing with patient families, completing psychosocial assessments, developing safety plans, and conducting individual, family, and group therapy sessions.  If you enjoy a challenging but rewarding work environment you will enjoy working for the Therapy department.  We have a great team who work together to do what needs to be done to meet the needs of our patients. This department creates a 4-week schedule which is released two weeks before the schedule starts.  Staff preferences are considered and may be accommodated when they align with the overall staffing needs of the department and facility.

Position Summary: 

Provides professional behavioral counseling services to designated patient population, and provides counseling and discharge planning as well as other behavioral counseling services to patients and families. The general practice of behavioral counseling in a hospital or outpatient setting includes interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, supportive counseling, information and referral, problem solving, client education, and advocacy.

Recruiter: Kathleen Karnes || [email protected]

Responsibilities

• Assists patients/family/significant other with physical, emotional, and social concerns that arise during the hospital stay.
• Provides discharge planning services to patients needing this service on assigned units.
• Completes required documentation prerequisites for placement/authorizations prior to discharge.
• Completes initial assessment and continued documentation to obtain pertinent background/social/ financial data. Documents social determinants of health as indicated in medical record.
• Connects patients/family/significant other with community resources to aid in their treatment and recovery.
• Acts as facility liaison with adult and children protective services as indicated.
• Cooperates with hospital staff and physicians and keeps them informed of progress with patients via verbal communication and chart documentation in medical record.
• Exhibits the skills of empathy, communication, organization, critical thinking, active listening, and patience.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:          

Bachelor’s degree (BSW) from accredited social work program OR Master’s degree in a behavioral health related field.

Minimum Experience:         

None. Candidates who plan to pursue their license preferred.

Licensure Requirement:      

None.