Behavioral Health Counselor -Hybrid (Harlingen, TX)

Position Summary

The position provides professional counseling services through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including severe mental illness in adults. This role delivers individual, couples, and group counseling using evidence-based methods, while supporting patient education, quality improvement, and integration with other Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) programs.

Scope and Impact

This position directly impacts patient mental health and well-being by providing therapeutic interventions and referrals. It contributes to quality of care by maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with licensure standards, and sustaining productivity expectations. The role requires community engagement and flexibility to participate in events during evenings or weekends.

Decision-Making Authority

Exercises independent clinical judgment in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions within the scope of licensure. Works collaboratively with MHM Social Workers and other departments for case management and referrals but is responsible for the management of their caseload and treatment outcomes.

Interactions / Working Relationship

• Regular collaboration with interdisciplinary MHM staff including Social Workers, clinical teams, and program staff.
• Direct interaction with patients, families, and support systems to deliver counseling services and education.
• Engagement with community members and partners through events and outreach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply specialized clinical knowledge and skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including addictions and severe mental illness.
• Provide counseling services using evidence-based treatment methods, including individual, marital, couples, group therapy, and psycho-educational groups.
• Participate in or lead training sessions and workshops to enhance treatment skills.
• Utilize DSM, ICD, and other diagnostic systems for accurate assessment and diagnosis.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans and intervention strategies to meet client goals.
• Make referrals to MHM Social Workers for case management and follow up to ensure service delivery.
• Promote interactive communication with other MHM departments and programs.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, including STATS projects, to monitor program effectiveness.
• Manage day-to-day caseload operations including assessments, case flow, and crisis intervention.
• Develop and maintain cumulative client records in compliance with licensure standards and MHM policies.
• Sustain departmental productivity standards and complete documentation according to MHM policies.
• Participate in community events, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Recommend modifications to policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

(Approximate % of role: Direct counseling 60%; Documentation and compliance 15%; Training/quality improvement 10%; Case management/referrals 10%; Community engagement 5%)

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others but may provide training, consultation, and guidance to peers and team members as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field for LPC/LMFT/LCSW.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy, counseling, and case management.
• Licenses/Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required.
• Other Requirements: Valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, and auto liability insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing counseling in integrated primary care or community health settings.
• Experience addressing severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Proficiency in evidence-based treatment methods.
• Strong communication, education, and consultation abilities.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage caseload and meet productivity standards.

Language Skills

• Required: Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Ability to interpret and present complex information clearly to individuals, families, and groups.

Technology and Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Internet navigation and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Office and residential care environments with direct patient contact.
• Position requires bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, sitting, standing, and walking for periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned.