Counselor- (A-CSS)

Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

403(b)

Education assistance

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

EAP

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network, Inc. is seeking a Counselor A-CSS to join the Adult Community Crisis Stabilization team in Western Massachusetts.

You will provide direct, person-centered counseling and support to individuals benefiting from crisis stabilization services, focusing on safe transitions back to the community. This role emphasizes trauma-informed care, group activities, collaboration with families and community providers, accurate documentation, and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least one year in human-services or behavioral health.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills.
• Comfort with trauma-informed care and group activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, person-centered counseling and daily support.
• Complete admissions and discharges with care planning.
• Assess needs and risks, support stabilization and aftercare.
• Engage families and community providers as needed.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities and psychoeducational groups.
• Maintain electronic documentation and program records.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment and report concerns.
• Participate in meetings, training, and comply with policies.

Skills

Rapport building

Communication

Group facilitation

Documentation

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Spanish bilingual

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $22 USD to $25 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has helped individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care and support. With deep roots in Western Massachusetts and a growing presence in communities throughout the state, we are currently seeking a Counselor A-CSS to join our Adult Community Crisis Stabilization (A-CCS) team and help advance our mission of empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What We Offer:

• Purpose-Driven Work – Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Professional Growth – Access ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities across one of the region's largest behavioral health organizations.
• Supportive Team Culture – Join a collaborative workplace guided by our HEART values: Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Stability & Opportunity – Build your career with a well-established organization serving Western Massachusetts since 1938.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Generous PTO, 403(b), educational assistance, medical, dental, vision, employee assistance programs, and more.
• Certified Great Place to Work – Work for an organization recognized for creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

What You Will Do:

• Provide direct, person-centered counseling and daily support to individuals receiving services within Adult Community Crisis Stabilization (A-CCS).
• Complete admissions and discharges and contribute to clinical assessments, individualized action plans, safety plans, crisis planning, aftercare plans, and referrals using the least restrictive and most appropriate treatment response.
• Assess and communicate individuals’ needs, mental status, social functioning, and level of risk while supporting stabilization, recovery, and a safe transition back to the community.
• Build supportive relationships with individuals and collaborate with families, significant others, community providers, and other members of the care team as appropriate.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities and psychoeducational groups during each assigned shift and provide services that support individuals’ daily needs, comfort, and treatment goals.
• Use respectful, trauma-informed behavioral interventions and consult with supervisory and clinical staff regarding behavioral challenges, treatment needs, safety concerns, and discharge planning.
• Maintain required staffing and safety standards, including completing scheduled safety checks and responding appropriately to crises, emergencies, and changes in an individual’s condition.
• Complete accurate and timely electronic documentation, including intake materials, collateral contacts, DAP and progress notes, aftercare plans, discharge summaries, program logs, data collection, and other required records.
• Help maintain a clean, orderly, welcoming, and safe program environment and promptly communicate maintenance, housekeeping, supply, or environmental concerns.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, required training, and professional development; follow BHN, CBHC, OSHA, Human Rights, compliance, confidentiality, and safety requirements; and perform other assigned duties.

Who You Are:

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent relevant experience in a behavioral health setting may be considered.
• At least one year of experience in the human-services field, preferably within behavioral health, crisis stabilization, residential services, or a related setting.
• Knowledge of and strong motivation to work with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and acute stabilization needs.
• Ability to establish rapport with individuals, families, significant others, and community providers while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong interviewing, observation, risk-awareness, documentation, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate groups and respond calmly and effectively to behavioral challenges, stressful situations, trauma, grief, and crisis-related needs.
• Excellent organization, time-management, follow-through, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage interruptions and competing priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, seek supervision appropriately, receive feedback, and complete assigned responsibilities reliably.
• Comfort using computers, electronic health records, agency communication systems, and standard office technology; bilingual Spanish skills preferred.
• Ability to work the assigned essential-staff schedule and meet the physical requirements of the role, including standing, walking, and lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

We Hire for HEART!

Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care, building deep roots in Western Massachusetts while expanding our impact in communities throughout the state. Our core values—Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—guide how we lead, serve, and support one another. If you’re ready to bring your skills and experience to a mission-driven organization where your work can make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay Range: $22.00-$25.00/hr

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.