Mental Health Student Counselor

UCS Healthcare; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

UCS Healthcare in West Des Moines, IA is seeking two part-time Student Counselors (LMHC) to gain field experience under supervision of LMHC/LMFT/LISW. The Fall 2026 start date is targeted. You will conduct individual and group counseling, adhere to HIPAA and CARF, and participate in training.

A driver’s license is required and travel within the state may be necessary. We offer a supportive, non-profit culture with generous health insurance contributions, opportunities for advancement, and a

Qualifications

• Enrollment proof for field experience per school/certifying board.
• Ability to work in a team and follow agency policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Clear, organized communication.
• Empathy in working with clients with multiple problems.
• Ability to problem-solve and think critically.
• Driver's license and transportation for potential travel within Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessment and transition planning.
• Provide individual and group counseling under supervision.
• Maintain client caseload and documentation.
• Attend supervision, meetings, and training.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team and outside agencies.
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans.

Skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Field experience placement enrollment

Tools

Microsoft Office

HIPAA training

Job description

We have 2 part-time positions available for a Student Counselor (LMHC) in West Des Moines, IA. This position is specific to supervision under a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). This position would be looking to start in Fall 2026.

"UCS values me as an employee." "I'm given the latitude to do my job." "UCS Healthcare is making a difference in our community." "My supervisor is caring and understanding and is rooting for my success."

These are just a few quotes from our recent employee survey. Many employers promise competitive pay and benefits, but more than that is required to provide a fulfilling career. What will? How about an organizational culture of mutual respect? Or maybe a career that's not 'corporate' where profits come before people?

As an integrated healthcare non-profit, we put people first. We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package. We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities. We are inclusive and firmly believe that bringing your authentic self to work improves teams and helps our clients thrive.

If you're seeking a workplace that aligns with your values, where your contributions are appreciated, and where you can make a tangible impact, consider joining our team. Rather than waiting for others to catch up with UCS Healthcare, apply with us. Our team members tell us that they are grateful they did. Join us in our mission to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being.

We have a commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices. We’re seeking to create a workplace that supports employees at work and in life. These practices reflect our belief that when people feel supported as whole individuals, they do their best work and thrive.

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor

Job Summary: Assist clients in achieving their treatment goals through individual and group counseling services under the supervision of a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) to gain field experience and meet school or certifying board requirements.

As part of UCS Healthcare, the Student Counselor will comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as UCS policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality, HIPAA/42CFR part 2, and CARF requirements. They will embody UCS Healthcare's core values, work effectively within a team, provide or support patient-centered services, and strive to deliver the highest level of care.

Essential Functions (85%):

Conduct initial assessment, admission, and transition planning.Provide individual and group counseling services to clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support clients in their recovery journey. Implement evidenced based curriculums identified as appropriate by management. Facilitate group therapy sessions to provide clients with peer support and education about substance use disorders. Create a safe and supportive environment for clients to share experiences and strategies for recovery.Maintain a client caseload in accordance with assigned duties.Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training workshops as required.Develop individualized treatment plans. Monitor clients' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.Evaluate treatment plans and define goals with patients served as required by level of care.Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes. Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.Regular attendance.Other Functions (15%):

Assess progress of patients served in relation to the treatment applied on an ongoing basis.Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.Collaborate treatment functions with outside agencies. Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies as necessary.Apprise supervisor of problems encountered in caseloads.

Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain licensure and stay current with best practices in substance use disorder counseling.Monitor and provide coverage for agency crisis line.Interpret referral paperwork to determine appropriate level of care.Keep employer informed of internship program requirements and needs.Perform additional duties as assigned.Minimum Required Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

Education and experience as required by the school or certifying board for field experience placement and provide proof of enrollment.Must excel in a team environment, adhere to agency policy and procedures, engage in critical thinking, and utilize problem solving skills.Proficient using Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel)Communicates information and ideas in a manner that is clear, organized, and detailed.Can assess the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assignedActs in an empathetic manner in working with clients who may have multiple problems.Preferred Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to work with a diverse client population and a variety of treatment modalities (group, individual, in-jail, methadone, correctional/legal system, and so on).Physical Requirements:

Accessible by standard company communication methods on a continuous basis during working hours.Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Communicating with others to exchange information.A valid driver's license is required and liability insurance or an equivalent means of personal transportation and coverage as travel within the state of Iowa may be necessary.

We are looking to fill this position for a Fall 2026 start date.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties,

responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Based on the programming assigned, work hours will vary to meet needs of school, credentialing, and licensing expectations. 16-30 total work hours per week are expected. Those hours can vary from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Friday. Saturdays are required with hours falling anywhere from 6 AM to 2 PM.

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