Hiring a Primary Counselor!

Job Description

The Primary Counselor provides direct client care within a structured behavioral health program, coordinating individual and group counseling services, maintaining accurate documentation, and supporting clients with complex needs. This role offers strong clinical experience, exposure to multidisciplinary care, and an excellent pathway for licensure or long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned client caseload in accordance with OASAS guidelines, ensuring high-quality and compliant care.
• Coordinate individual and group counseling sessions and build strong therapeutic rapport with clients.
• Document all client interactions, services, and progress notes accurately in the EMR system and other required program reporting tools (including HRA STARS, ACS, CJS, etc.).
• Collect urine samples and complete related documentation in accordance with program protocols and OASAS regulations.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and credentialing regulations and all applicable healthcare standards.
• Coordinate care with internal and external stakeholders, including medical, mental health, housing, and other community resources, to ensure appropriate wraparound services for clients.
• Maintain referral relationships and community partnerships to support client access to needed services.
• Participate actively in clinical supervision, case conferences, and staff meetings to support continuous quality improvement and integrated care.
• Identify and escalate significant clinical or behavioral concerns to leadership in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Provide professional, compassionate customer service to clients and families, responding to questions and concerns with empathy and clarity.
• Follow established policies and procedures with attention to detail, maintaining accurate records and adhering to program standards.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, contributing to treatment planning and coordinated care.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and flexibility with scheduling to meet program and client needs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of experience working in OASAS licensed programs.
• Experience providing counseling and care coordination in a healthcare or behavioral health setting.
• Ability to manage a client caseload while adhering to OASAS guidelines and program requirements.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to conduct assessments and engage clients with diverse needs.
• Proficiency with data entry and EMR systems, including accurate and timely documentation of services.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare industry practices relevant to behavioral health.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong computer skills and comfort using electronic systems for reporting (e.g., HRA STARS, ACS, CJS).
• Detail-oriented approach with the ability to follow established policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility with scheduling to support program operations.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a Qualified Healthcare Professional with one of the following credentials: CASAC, CASAC-T, or equivalent credential.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with SPMI (serious and persistent mental illness) populations is preferred.
• Background in healthcare or the broader healthcare industry is beneficial.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with clients, families, and partners.
• Additional preferred credentials include MSW, LMSW, or LMHC.
• Interest in gaining strong clinical experience for licensure or long-term career advancement.
• Ability to maintain and grow referral relationships and community partnerships.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based at a corporate office in the Bronx within a structured behavioral health program. The schedule runs Tuesday through Saturday, with shifts typically from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., totaling 40 hours per week. The environment is multidisciplinary and collaborative, offering exposure to diverse patient needs and wraparound services, including medical, mental health, and housing supports. Counselors use EMR systems and program reporting tools regularly and participate in clinical supervision, case conferences, and staff meetings as part of a professional, team-oriented setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bronx, NY.