Assignment Readiness Counselor - Short Term or On Demand

Magellan Health; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Magellan Health is looking for an Assignment Readiness Counselor based in Norfolk, Virginia, to provide solutions-focused counseling services to military service members and their families. This position involves non-medical counseling for both adults and children, working in short-term assignments, often on short notice.

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree and relevant independent licensure. The role demands adaptability and strong interpersonal skills, especially to engage with military personnel effectively. Join us in supporting military families while enjoying the benefits associated with a Service Contract Act position.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited graduate program in a mental-health related field or social work.
• Independent licensure as LCSW, LPC, or LMFT.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide non-medical, short-term, solution-focused counseling.
• Conduct assessments and develop action plans.
• Collaborate with military installation points of contact.

Skills

Brief therapy

Solution-focused counseling

Ability to build rapport

Adaptability

Education

Master’s Degree in mental-health related field or social work

Job description

Job Title

Assignment Readiness Counselor - Short Term or On Demand

Job Summary

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to become local and licensed at the independent level as a Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, LCSW‑R or LICSW‑CP), Mental Health Counselor (LPC or LMHC), or Therapist (LMFT) or equivalent independent licensure. The Assignment Readiness Counselor (ARC) will provide coverage in short‑term, surge and on‑demand situations resulting from military needs such as post‑deployment events or to cover an existing assignment for counselors who are absent. The summer ARC counselor position covers assignments during the May15–September15 time period, coinciding with the school summer break. With minimal guidance and oversight, the ARC delivers the full breadth of Adult or Child and Youth Behavioral (CYB) counseling services to military service members and their families at military installations.

Responsibilities

• Provide non‑medical, short‑term, solution‑focused counseling directly to adults, children, and youth of service members.
• Conduct assessment, brief counseling, and consultation, develop action plans, provide referrals to resources, and follow up as indicated.
• Offer training and health‑and‑wellness presentations, participate in health fairs and other base or installation activities.
• Enter counselor activity data daily through a smartphone or web application, ensuring accurate reporting and maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of service or family members.
• Collaborate with installation and military branch points of contact (POC) to ensure programs are delivered within scope and meet installation needs.
• Assist with Quality Improvement committees or other contract activities as assigned.
• Respond to critical incidents and special requests directed by the POC and approved by the OSD program manager.
• Manage duty‑to‑warn and restricted reporting situations according to DoD protocol and staff cases with the Regional Supervisor or Regional Director.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited graduate program in a mental‑health related field or social work.
• Independent licensure as a Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, LCSW‑R or LICSW‑CP), Mental Health Counselor (LPC or LMHC), Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent.
• U.S. citizenship and fluency in English.
• Advanced knowledge of brief therapy and solution‑focused counseling methods.
• Willingness to accept assignments of undefined periods on short notice, including weekends, and to work full‑time assignments ranging from a weekend to two weeks.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with service personnel, clients, family members, students, parents, and co‑workers.
• Adaptability to new working conditions, varying location rules, and the physical demands of military installations.
• Experience with immunization or vaccination requirements for installation assignments as applicable.
• Prior military service, affiliation with a military family, or strong familiarity with military culture desired.
• For CYB positions: meet Magellan MFLC CYB criteria for experience with children and youth and have specialty in child and adolescent development or psychology.

Benefits & Employment Information

This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. Pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.

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.