Geriatric Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an aging society, the importance of geriatric counselors is increasingly paramount.

As our population matures, the demand for compassionate and skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and secure our geriatric care network grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a geriatric counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner dynamics of geriatric counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable geriatric counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Geriatric Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Geriatric Counselors are responsible for providing mental health services to elderly individuals.

These professionals use their expert knowledge in geriatric psychology to promote mental well-being, manage mental health conditions and improve quality of life for their clients.

Geriatric Counselors are primarily responsible for directly assisting their clients, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Assessing the mental health of elderly clients through interviews, observations and psychological tests
• Creating individualized treatment plans based on clients’ needs and conditions
• Providing psychotherapy and counseling services to clients, individually or in group sessions
• Working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
• Guiding families and caregivers on how to cope with the client’s mental health issues and providing support
• Advocating for clients’ rights and needs
• Referring clients to appropriate resources such as support groups or medical professionals
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records in accordance with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements
• Staying updated on the latest research and developments in geriatric psychology

 

Geriatric Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Geriatric Counselor to support the mental, emotional, and physical health of our elderly clients.

The responsibilities of a Geriatric Counselor include assessing the psychological state of the elderly, providing therapy or counseling, and devising coping strategies.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the unique stressors and life transitions that the elderly population faces, including health-related concerns, grief and loss, and changes in mental capabilities.

Ultimately, the role of the Geriatric Counselor is to improve the quality of life and promote the well-being of our clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and psychotherapy services to elderly clients
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on clients’ needs
• Conduct assessments to identify mental health issues and recommend treatment options
• Facilitate group therapy sessions and workshops on topics related to aging
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, family members, and other relevant parties
• Provide resources and education to clients and their families on coping strategies
• Keep detailed records and maintain confidentiality of client information
• Stay up-to-date with latest research and best practices in geriatric counseling

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a counselor, psychologist, or similar role
• Specialization in geriatric counseling or working with the elderly population
• Knowledge of mental health issues and interventions specific to the elderly
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient with good problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field
• Licensed to practice in the state

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Geriatric Counselor
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for home visits. Some travel may be required for consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Counseling Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Geriatric Counselor Do?

Geriatric Counselors are specialized mental health professionals who primarily work with the elderly population.

They help their clients navigate the challenges associated with aging, such as loss of independence, physical health issues, cognitive decline, end-of-life decisions, and bereavement.

They provide psychotherapy to address mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which are common among the elderly.

They also offer counseling to families to aid understanding and coping with the changes their elderly family members are going through.

Geriatric Counselors often work in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient mental health clinics.

They may also provide home visits or teletherapy sessions for clients who are homebound or have limited mobility.

These professionals also serve as advocates for their clients, coordinating with other healthcare providers, social services, and caregivers to ensure that their clients are receiving the care and support they need.

An important aspect of their role is to create a safe and supportive environment where the elderly can openly express their feelings and concerns, and to provide them with strategies to manage stress and enhance their well-being.

 

Geriatric Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A geriatric counselor should have the qualifications and skills that match your job requirements, which include:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop trust and rapport with elderly clients and their families.
• Expert knowledge in geriatric psychiatry or psychology to understand and address the mental health issues specific to older adults such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
• Strong communication skills to listen empathetically and convey information effectively to elderly clients who may have hearing, cognitive, or other impairments.
• Patience and compassion to provide support and counsel to clients who are dealing with stressful life changes such as retirement, bereavement, or declining health.
• Problem-solving skills to help clients navigate complex healthcare systems, manage medication schedules, and address other practical issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, social workers, and family members to coordinate care for the client.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and ethics related to elder care and mental health counseling.
• Time management skills to balance individual counseling sessions, group therapy, case management, and documentation.

 

Geriatric Counselor Experience Requirements

Geriatric counselors often require a Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field, which includes ample hands-on training and internship experiences in geriatric settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or community centers.

Entry-level geriatric counselors often have 1-2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in mental health centers, hospitals, or nursing facilities where they gain experience working with elderly clients.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually worked in positions such as a social worker, family therapist, or psychiatric nurse, and have developed the necessary skills to work with older adults and their families.

They may have also obtained their licensure as a professional counselor, which requires additional supervised experience.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have further specialized their knowledge in areas such as geriatric psychology or dementia care.

They also may have gained experience in leadership roles, making them suitable for supervisory or managerial positions in geriatric care settings.

Continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest research in gerontology is important for all levels of experience in this field.

 

Geriatric Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Geriatric Counselors typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, gerontology, social work, or a related field.

A Master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology, with a focus on gerontology, is highly recommended for this profession.

This is because a master’s program offers a more specialized study on mental health issues affecting older adults.

During these degree programs, students gain knowledge in areas such as cognitive, emotional, and physical changes associated with aging, coping mechanisms for elders, family dynamics, and end-of-life issues.

These programs usually include internships or practicums that provide students with hands-on experience.

Upon completion of an accredited master’s program, individuals may need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours to be eligible for state licensure.

License requirements vary by state.

Certification in Geriatric Counseling from a recognized professional organization, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), can enhance job prospects and demonstrate expertise in the field.

It is also valuable for Geriatric Counselors to possess strong communication skills, empathy, and patience, given the sensitive and complex nature of issues faced by the older population.

Continuing education is crucial for Geriatric Counselors to stay updated about the latest research and interventions in the field of geriatric mental health.

Many professionals choose to attend workshops, seminars, or pursue further education to meet this need.

 

Geriatric Counselor Salary Expectations

A Geriatric Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $50,600 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary greatly based on factors such as level of education, years of experience, location, and the specific sector in which they are employed.

 

Geriatric Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Geriatric Counselor need?

A Geriatric Counselor should possess excellent communication skills to interact effectively with elderly clients and their families.

They need to have a deep understanding of the aging process and common mental health issues in older adults.

These professionals should be patient, compassionate, and empathetic.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle emotional situations are also necessary.

 

What qualifications does a Geriatric Counselor need?

A Geriatric Counselor typically requires a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field.

They also need to be licensed to practice, which involves passing a state-recognized exam.

Some states may also require additional certification specifically in geriatric counseling.

Most positions also require experience in the field, often with a focus on working with the elderly.

 

What should you look for in a Geriatric Counselor resume?

In addition to educational qualifications and licensure, look for experience working with elderly clients in a counseling or therapeutic setting.

Specialized training in geriatric mental health issues, such as dementia or depression, is also valuable.

Other important elements can include a demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and experience with end-of-life issues or grief counseling.

 

What qualities make a good Geriatric Counselor?

A good Geriatric Counselor is patient, understanding, and empathetic, possessing a genuine desire to help older individuals navigate their mental health issues.

They should be comfortable working with families and caregivers and have the ability to communicate clearly with a variety of medical professionals.

They should also have a strong knowledge of the aging process and the unique mental health challenges that can arise.

 

What are the challenges in hiring a Geriatric Counselor?

Hiring a Geriatric Counselor can be challenging due to the need for specific qualifications and experience.

It’s essential to find a candidate who not only has the necessary education and licensure but also possesses the interpersonal skills needed to interact effectively with elderly clients.

Additionally, there’s a need for counselors who have an understanding of the unique mental health challenges associated with aging, which may limit the pool of qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we unveiled the true essence of being a geriatric counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing counseling.

It’s about shaping the final chapters of individuals’ lives with care, respect, and dignity.

With our go-to geriatric counselor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take that leap.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a client is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s shape that journey. Together.

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