Community Mental Health Center Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the age of increasing mental health awareness, the focus on Community Mental Health Center Counselors has never been more pronounced.

As society progresses, the demand for compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our mental health landscape deepens.

But let’s unpack this further: What’s truly expected from a Community Mental Health Center Counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of mental health counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Community Mental Health Center Counselor job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Community Mental Health Center Counselors assist individuals, families, and groups dealing with various mental health issues.

They use a variety of therapeutic techniques and methodologies to provide support, guidance, and help improve the mental health and well-being of their clients.

The duties and responsibilities of a Community Mental Health Center Counselor include:

• Assessing the mental health needs of individuals, families, and groups in the community
• Designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized treatment plans
• Providing one-on-one and group counseling sessions to address various mental health issues
• Collaborating with other health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care for clients
• Teaching clients coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with their mental health issues
• Offering crisis intervention services to clients in immediate need
• Maintaining detailed records and confidential reports on clients’ progress
• Organizing and leading community outreach programs to promote mental health awareness and understanding
• Continually updating professional knowledge and skills through continuing education and professional development opportunities

 

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Community Mental Health Center Counselor to provide therapeutic support and guidance to individuals and groups within our community.

The counselor’s responsibilities include assessing patient mental status, developing therapeutic treatment plans, and assisting patients in understanding and overcoming personal challenges.

The ideal candidate should have a firm grasp of psychotherapeutic techniques, crisis intervention strategies and an understanding of mental health laws and regulations.

Ultimately, the role of the Community Mental Health Center Counselor is to foster mental health, well-being, and a positive quality of life for the patients in our community.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to identify mental health issues and treatment needs.
• Develop, implement, and review individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy as needed.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals for patient care planning and treatment.
• Monitor patient progress and make necessary treatment adjustments.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records in accordance with privacy regulations.
• Provide psychoeducation to patients and their families about mental health issues and coping strategies.
• Participate in ongoing education, training, and professional development.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards as outlined by relevant regulatory bodies.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Current, valid state licensure to practice as a mental health counselor.
• Experience in a clinical or community mental health setting.
• Strong understanding of a variety of therapeutic modalities and treatment approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to professional ethics and standards.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits
• Supervision towards licensure

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Mental Health Center Counselor
• Work Environment: Clinical setting within a community mental health center. Occasional travel may be required for home visits or community outreach events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Mental Health Center Counselor Do?

Community Mental Health Center Counselors work in community-based settings where they provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups.

They often serve populations that are underserved or face barriers to healthcare, such as economic difficulties or stigma related to mental illness.

These counselors conduct comprehensive assessments to understand their clients’ mental health needs and devise appropriate treatment plans.

They provide therapeutic counseling services that may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family systems therapy, or other therapeutic modalities.

Community Mental Health Center Counselors often collaborate with other professionals such as psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers in order to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.

They also facilitate psychoeducational groups to provide information and resources on mental health issues to the community.

Their role is not only to provide therapy but also to advocate for their clients, helping them navigate the mental health system and access necessary resources.

Community Mental Health Center Counselors also play a crucial role in crisis situations, providing urgent care and referrals as necessary.

They maintain detailed records and documentation to monitor their clients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Furthermore, they are often involved in community outreach and education efforts to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health disorders.

 

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Qualifications and Skills

Community Mental Health Center Counselors require a unique blend of technical knowledge, soft skills and a deep understanding of mental health issues.

These include:

• Empathetic listener, with the ability to understand and interpret the feelings and perspectives of clients.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of various mental health disorders, their symptoms, and effective therapeutic strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to form and maintain trust-based relationships with clients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Problem-solving skills to help clients identify their problems and develop strategies to address them.
• Excellent communication skills to explain treatment plans, strategies, and progress to clients and their families.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other mental health professionals to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans.
• Patient and calm under stress, with the ability to deal effectively with challenging situations or individuals.
• Strong ethical and professional standards, respecting client confidentiality at all times.
• Time management and organizational skills to manage caseloads and maintain accurate records.

 

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Experience Requirements

Aspiring Community Mental Health Center Counselors typically need a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

This is accompanied by substantial supervised clinical experience, usually achieved during an internship or practicum, where they gain hands-on experience dealing with a diverse range of mental health issues.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of professional experience, often through an internship or part-time role in a mental health setting.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Case Manager, Social Worker, or Psychiatric Technician.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their counseling skills and knowledge in entry-level roles or through continuous clinical supervision.

These candidates are typically comfortable working with a diverse range of clients and mental health issues.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a supervisory or managerial position within a community mental health center.

This might include roles such as Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, or even a Mental Health Director.

Moreover, all states require mental health counselors to be licensed, which involves passing a state-recognized exam.

Some states also require mental health counselors to complete a specific number of continuing education credits each year to maintain their licenses.

 

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Community Mental Health Center Counselors usually need a master’s degree in mental health counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

Most programs require internships or supervised clinical experiences that provide practical training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues.

Most states require mental health counselors to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally require a master’s degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

In addition, counselors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual continuing education classes to maintain their licenses.

Some counselors choose to pursue a doctorate degree in mental health counseling to further their career.

This advanced degree often signifies the counselor’s commitment to lifelong learning and their dedication to providing the highest level of care to their clients.

Many counselors also choose to earn voluntary certifications in specialties such as substance abuse, trauma, or youth counseling.

These certifications can help counselors stand out in the job market and may lead to higher-paying positions.

Counselors must also possess empathy, strong listening skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

These skills are often developed and refined during their educational journey and throughout their professional experience.

 

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Salary Expectations

A Community Mental Health Center Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $44,840 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary greatly depending on factors such as the level of experience, education, location, and the funding of the community mental health center.

 

Community Mental Health Center Counselor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become a Community Mental Health Center Counselor?

In most cases, a Community Mental Health Center Counselor is required to have a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

Some positions may require a doctorate.

Additionally, they must be licensed to practice in their respective states, which typically involves passing an exam and completing supervised clinical work.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Community Mental Health Center Counselor?

Community Mental Health Center Counselors work with individuals, groups, and families to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote optimal mental health.

They may use different forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, or other types of therapy.

They also participate in case management and advocacy for clients within the community, crisis intervention, prevention programs, and educational workshops.

 

What skills are important for a Community Mental Health Center Counselor?

Important skills for a Community Mental Health Center Counselor include excellent listening and speaking skills, empathy, critical thinking, patience, and a strong ability to build trust and rapport with clients.

They should also be able to work well under pressure and handle crisis situations calmly and effectively.

 

What should you look for in a Community Mental Health Center Counselor resume?

When evaluating the resume of a potential Community Mental Health Center Counselor, look for a strong educational background in a relevant field, such as psychology or social work.

The candidate should also have licensure and any required certifications.

Practical experience through internships, fellowships, or job positions working with mental health patients is also crucial.

Additional qualifications, like language skills or specialized training in a specific therapeutic approach, can also be an asset.

 

What challenges may a Community Mental Health Center Counselor face?

Community Mental Health Center Counselors often work with clients dealing with severe mental health issues, which can be emotionally demanding.

They may also face challenges related to limited resources or bureaucratic constraints within the mental health system.

Additionally, they may encounter situations where they need to work with clients’ families or other community members who may not understand or support the treatment process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken an in-depth look at what it truly means to be a Community Mental Health Center Counselor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about providing therapy.

It’s about building healthier communities, one counseling session at a time.

Armed with our detailed Community Mental Health Center Counselor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to dive into this rewarding career.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting the perfect job listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every counseling session contributes to a healthier and happier community.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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