Position Title: Behavioral Health Counselor – MS (PRN, Flat Rate)
Location: Riley Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
Shift: Weekday and/or Overnights (PRN)
Position Overview:
The Behavioral Health Counselor provides psychosocial support and therapeutic interventions to patients and families within a hospital setting. This role involves facilitating individual, group, and family counseling, coordinating discharge planning, and performing utilization review. The counselor collaborates with healthcare team members to ensure safe, timely, and resource-appropriate care, while addressing complex psychosocial needs related to illness, injury, or trauma. The counselor also acts as a liaison for abuse, neglect, guardianship, foster care, and community resources.
Key Responsibilities:
Facilitate patient involvement in treatment and education within the care milieu.
Conduct psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions for patients and families.
Assist with discharge planning and utilization review, ensuring seamless care transitions.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and support services.
Serve as a point person for cases involving child and adult abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and protective services; coordinate with legal and community agencies.
Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral.
Support families and patients in understanding emotional, social, and financial impacts of health conditions.
Mobilize community and family resources to meet identified needs.
Maintain thorough documentation of interventions and case management activities.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related mental health field.
0-3 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community experience.
License-eligible in Indiana as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or LCAC; must have a minimum of a permanent LSW, LMHC-A, or LMFT-A upon hire.
Certification in crisis intervention may be required; BLS certification may also be required.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, DBT).
Familiarity with legal mandates related to child and adult protective services.
Understanding of growth and development principles across the lifespan.
Ability to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and utilize crisis de-escalation techniques.
Proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong ability to develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers.
