Clinical Counselor - UNC Health Appalachian : Job Details

Position Overview The Clinical Counselor 1-6 provides therapeutic behavioral health services to patients and families as part of a multidisciplinary team. This role includes individual therapy, treatment planning, group therapy, patient assessments, and coordination with other departments to ensure a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities also include intake, safety checks, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as ARHS policies and procedures. The Clinical Counselor works within their defined scope and collaborates with healthcare providers, treatment teams, physicians, and leadership as needed. Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, licensure, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts at Clinical Counselor 1 from $23.00 per hour. The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals passionate about delivering high-quality care.
• Professional development: We offer ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and participation in our Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful work: Ensure patient safety and contribute to positive health outcomes.
• Location perks: Boone, NC, offers outdoor activities, shopping, dining, breweries, and cultural attractions.
• Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated public school system and is home to Appalachian State University.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience - range is $23.00 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is non-exempt and includes shift differentials for qualified shifts.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance covering short- and long-term disability, accident, life, hospital indemnity, critical illness, identity theft protection, and legal assistance.
• Student loan refinancing and tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off (PTO): Front-loaded for the first year, with a cash-out option available for qualifying employees.
• Paid parental leave: Two weeks of paid leave within the first six months of birth/adoption.
• Employee wellness program - Love Your Life: Award-winning voluntary wellness program with incentives.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program: A voluntary, employee-funded assistance program.
• Additional employee perks: Discounts for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more.
• Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower [here].

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group therapy, patient assessments, and treatment planning.
• Conduct intake evaluations, safety checks, and crisis interventions as needed.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and adjust patient care plans.
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation in compliance with policies.
• Coordinate patient care with other departments, services, and external entities.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory standards, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines.

Position Requirements Minimum Education for each level

• Clinical Counselor I (QMHP-Qualified Mental Health Professional):
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Services with 2 years of experience or
  • Bachelor's degree in a non-Human Services field with 4 years of experience.
• Clinical Counselor II: Master's in Human Services field and pursuing non-LCSW licensure (LPC, LPA, LMFT, LCAS).
• Clinical Counselor III: Master's in Human Services field, with a Provisional license or pursuing licensure (LCSW). Full licensure must be completed within 4 years.
• Clinical Counselor IV: Fully licensed in a Human Services field (LPC, LPA, LMFT, LCAS).
• Clinical Counselor V: Fully licensed LCSW or Ph.D. in a non-psychology study or pending NC licensure in psychology.
• Clinical Counselor VI: Ph.D. in Psychology with full licensure.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• See above requirements for specific licensure per Clinical Counselor level.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for patient and team interactions.
• Competency in patient assessment, treatment planning, and therapy techniques.
• Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, ethical standards, and multidisciplinary care coordination.
• Ability to provide high-quality therapy services tailored to individual patient needs.

Physical Demands

• Continuous standing and walking for ≥ 8 hours per shift.
• Speaking, reading, and writing for ≥ 8 hours per day.
• Frequent patient mobilization > 4 hours per day.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling ≥ 50 lbs.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to bloodborne diseases.
• Frequent exposure to hazardous materials, odorous chemicals, and unpleasant elements.
• Exposure to electrical, mechanical, and power equipment hazards.
• Subject to irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, and sitting required.

About UNC Health Appalachian UNC Health Appalachian, the leader in High Country healthcare, consists of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to improving health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for our community. About UNC Health UNC Health is a state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system, operating 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided $400+ million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents. UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process. Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact [email protected]. #IND789