Behavioral Health Counselor

Atrium Health; Ardmore (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Atrium Health seeks a qualified professional to conduct clinical assessments for patients with chemical dependency and psychiatric illnesses. This role involves providing counseling, engaging families, and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure optimal care. To qualify, candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field and be licensed in North Carolina.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed in North Carolina.
• Good judgment and excellent communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Complete and document accurate clinical assessments.
• Engage family members in treatment support and education.
• Make effective referrals to community resources.

Skills

Good judgment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to assess patient needs quickly

Broad knowledge of DSM IV diagnoses and treatment modalities

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy

Job description

Between June 14, 2025, and July 1, 2025, Atrium Health is transitioning to a new application platform to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring processes. During this period, job postings on the career website may be temporarily limited. Despite this, Atrium Health remains committed to engaging with and attracting top talent. We encourage interested candidates to join our talent communities and participate in in-person or virtual events to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

This position provides assessments for patients with chemical dependency and/or psychiatric illnesses. Responsibilities include documenting clinical needs and interventions, participating in interdisciplinary teams, providing individual, family, or group counseling, coordinating discharges, and developing aftercare plans.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited institution is required.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION:

Licensed in Social Work or Counseling in North Carolina.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Patient Assessment
2. Complete and document accurate clinical assessments, identifying key findings for treatment and care levels.
3. Assess patient needs promptly, communicate benefits of treatment options clearly.
4. Evaluate psychosocial stressors and functioning using GAF scales.
5. Respond empathetically to assessments and treatment requests.
6. Consult with physicians or psychiatrists as needed based on assessment findings.

Patient Family Focus

Engage family members with education and support regarding treatment and aftercare.

Assist families in understanding dynamics of co-dependency and denial, providing appropriate referrals.

Gather family history to corroborate patient’s substance use or psychiatric history and identify family recovery needs.

Patient Admissions

Facilitate admissions with physician authorization and complete pre-admission financial and insurance verifications.

Assess treatment financial viability with admissions staff, understanding hospital payment policies and reimbursement practices.

Communication

Provide clear, positive, and courteous information to patients, families, staff, and physicians.

Customer Focus

Deliver excellent patient service, demonstrating professionalism, timeliness, and caring interactions.

Teamwork

Foster a positive work environment, participate in meetings and in-services.

Referrals

Make effective referrals to community resources for ongoing treatment.

Professionalism

Maintain professional relationships, adhere to department rules, and practice teamwork and behavioral standards.

Other duties as assigned by management.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to assess patient needs quickly and communicate treatment benefits clearly
• Knowledge of developmental stages for ages 6 to over 65 years (preferred)
• Broad knowledge of DSM IV diagnoses and treatment modalities

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Clean, well-lit, comfortable clinical setting