Mental Health Counselor

Emerson Hospital; Concord (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson Hospital in Massachusetts seeks a Mental Health Counselor to join an inpatient Behavioral Health team under RN supervision. You will provide compassionate, hands-on care, helping patients progress in recovery while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities include direct patient care, observation, documentation, and collaboration with nurses to support individualized care plans.

Qualifications

• Degree in a mental health-related field.
• Minimum 1 year in an inpatient psychiatric setting or psychiatric triage.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification within 30 days of hire.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with patients in a therapeutic setting.
• Critical thinking and sound judgment in dynamic situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Basic computer and documentation proficiency.
• Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care tailored to the age and needs of individuals on the behavioral health unit.
• Support the safety, well-being, and therapeutic environment for all patients.
• Observe, monitor, and document patient behavior and interactions.
• Assist with daily activities, therapeutic programming, and patient engagement.
• Collaborate with nurses and the interdisciplinary team to support individualized care plans.
• Respond to behavioral health crises using de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Uphold patient confidentiality and all safety protocols.

Skills

CPI certification

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Documentation proficiency

English proficiency

Critical thinking

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Degree in a mental health-related field

Job description

Make a difference in patients’ lives—every shift.

As a Mental Health Counselor on our inpatient Behavioral Health team, you will provide hands-on, compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining a safe, supportive environment and helping patients progress in their recovery.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will support high-quality patient care by:

Providing direct patient care tailored to the age and needs of individuals on the behavioral health unit

Supporting the safety, well-being, and therapeutic environment for all patients

Observing, monitoring, and documenting patient behavior and interactions

Assisting with daily activities, therapeutic programming, and patient engagement

Collaborating with nurses and the interdisciplinary team to support individualized care plans

Responding appropriately to behavioral health crises using de-escalation techniques

Maintaining accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards

Upholding patient confidentiality and all safety protocols

You will report to the Director of Behavioral Health Nursing and work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

What You Bring

Education

Degree in a mental health-related field preferred

Experience

Minimum of 1 year of experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting or psychiatric triage preferred

Licensure & Certifications

CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification required within 30 days of hire

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to build rapport with patients in a therapeutic setting

Critical thinking and sound judgment in dynamic situations

Strong organizational and time management skills

Basic computer and documentation proficiency

Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Why Join Us?

Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven behavioral health team

Gain valuable experience in inpatient psychiatric care

Work in a supportive, team-oriented environment

Make a meaningful impact on patient safety and recovery