Counselor

**Job Summary** Responsible for independently delivering professional counseling services to patients with chemical dependency and/or psychiatric issues within a healthcare setting. **Position Specific Essential Functions** * Identifies patients and families with complex psychosocial needs requiring social work intervention, collecting and documenting pertinent information for the healthcare team. * Assesses patients’ medical, social, emotional, financial, spiritual, and support systems through direct contact and other sources, completing assessments within 72 hours of admission. * Ensures assessments conducted by licensed professionals are signed by a licensed master social worker for approval. * Develops discharge and care management plans collaboratively, communicating and adjusting based on patient progress. * Advocates for patients, ensuring understanding of medical care choices and documenting interventions. * Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams for planning, timely service provision, and discharge planning, including coordinating referrals and discharge teaching. * Monitors and evaluates social services on inpatient psychiatric units, providing therapeutic counseling to patients. * Reviews patient progress to ensure care plans align with clinical course and modifies as needed. * Arranges discharge prescriptions, appointments, and services, ensuring documentation is complete prior to patient departure. * Promotes positive health outcomes through patient advocacy and support. * Assists patients and families in understanding and following medical recommendations, restoring social and health adjustment. * Maintains knowledge of community resources, making appropriate referrals, and evaluates readmission rates and patient satisfaction to improve case management practices. * Respects confidentiality, patient rights, and ethical standards; possesses knowledge of emergency detention, guardianship, and legal processes. * Completes insurance authorizations and understands contracted bed processes. * Documents patient safety issues and complaints, attends meetings and training, and performs other assigned duties.