Assignment Readiness Counselor - short term and on demand

Magellan Health; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Magellan Health is seeking an Assignment Ready Counselor to provide behavioral counseling services and support during military events. The role requires a Master’s degree in a mental health related field and licensure such as LPC or LCSW, with flexibility to work varying hours including weekends.

This position entails collaborating with school staff and military families, responding to emergent situations, and maintaining accurate data. Experience with children and youth is essential, along with familiarity with military culture preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a mental-health related field or social work from an accredited graduate program.
• Current licensure that meets state, Commonwealth or customer-specific requirements.
• Experience with children and youth; specialty in child and adolescent development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Adult or Child and Youth Behavioral counseling services.
• Consult with parents and school staff to address behavioral health needs.
• Establish a presence that encourages seeking help while respecting confidentiality.

Skills

Behavioral counseling

Crisis intervention

Communication

Solution-focused therapy

Child development knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in mental health or social work

Current licensure (LPC, LCSW)

Job description

The Assignment Ready Counselor (ARC) provides short‑term, surge, and on‑demand coverage during the Military’s post‑deployment events or to fill gaps when counselors are absent. The ARC works from May15 through September15, coinciding with the summer break, and may be called to school, respite, or community settings on short notice.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Adult or Child and Youth Behavioral (CYB) counseling services, including assessment, brief counseling, action planning, referral, and follow‑up.
• Provide non‑medical counseling, training and health‑and‑wellness presentations, and participate in health fairs or other base activities.
• Consult with parents, school staff, DoDEA and community schools, and installation Points of Contact (POC) to address behavioral health needs and improve program effectiveness.
• Support school staff, staff of child daycare centers, and youth programs; provide parent training and guidance.
• Maintain confidential, accurate activity data daily via mobile or web applications.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends and variable length assignments from a weekend to two weeks, with minimal guidance.
• Respond quickly to emergent situations and critical incidents on military installations or in school settings.
• Establish a presence that encourages service members and families to seek help, while respecting confidentiality and following line‑of‑site protocols for child services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community resources and provide appropriate linkages.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a mental‑health related field or social work from an accredited graduate program.
• Current licensure that meets state, Commonwealth or customer‑specific requirements (e.g., LPC, LCSW).
• Advanced knowledge of brief therapy and solution‑focused counseling methods.
• Experience with children and youth; specialty in child and adolescent development for CYB positions.
• Prior experience in a school setting for CYB counselors who may be called to support a school assignment.
• US citizenship and fluency in English.
• Ability to work with minimal instruction, adapt to new environments, and traverse various base or school locations.
• Willingness to accept assignments of undefined periods, including weekends and short‑term contracts.
• Prior military service or strong familiarity with military culture preferred.
• Current immunizations or vaccination record as required for specific assignments.

General Job Information

• Title: Assignment Readiness Counselor – short term and on demand.
• Grade: MFLC ARC.
• Work experience: Required clinical experience.
• Education: Required Master’s; Preferred license and certifications.
• Licensing: Current licensure required (e.g., LPC, LCSW).
• Location: Various military installations, DoDEA schools, community schools, and youth programs.
• In the event of a need, the position is covered by the Service Contract Act (SCA).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Magellan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam Era status, or any other factors protected by law.