Behavioral Health Counselor

The purpose of the Group Counselor/Recreational Therapist is to facilitate positive changes in patients’ basic functional ability, achieve improved independent functioning, and to make the hospital experience positive and growth oriented. These changes are accomplished through therapy, education and recreation. Group Counselor/Recreational Therapist performs delegated tasks to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a RN, and completes data collection and documentation per departmental standards. Plans, organizes and conducts therapy sessions on an individual and group basis, and evaluates progress of patients. Provides other services as assigned by the program supervisor and as trained, which may include but is not limited to performing precaution safety rounds, taking vital signs, monitoring blood glucose, and assisting with ADL’s.

Ensures safety of patients and the overall treatment milieu as demonstrated through management of environmental safety. Communicates therapeutically with patients in one-to-one situations and focuses on goals and objectives listed on the Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan Updates and completes documentation in accordance with department standards. Responds appropriately and reports in a timely fashion any changes in patient conditions. Performs and documents therapeutic recreational screen and data collection for patients’ Therapeutic/recreational needs, groups/therapeutic activities along with responses to interventions. Serves as a resource person. Provides appropriate orientation to new staff. Identifies new or updates programs inclusive of determining appropriate policies and procedures, training staff and monitoring program effectiveness Performs related duties as required.

Required: Education: Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, counseling, or other related field with additional psychiatric experience. Certifications/Registrations/Licenses: American Heart Association BLS certification must be obtained within 7 days of hire American Heart Association CPR certification must be obtained within 7 days of hire CPI certification required within orientation period. Preferred: Experience : One year experience preferred