Mental Health Counselor-L II

Marketing Statement

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is the community hospital of choice for residents of East Harlem, northern Manhattan, and neighboring communities. The hospital provides culturally-sensitive care in a welcoming and hospitable setting, emphasizing primary care medicine and utilizing the latest advances in medical science. Metropolitan delivers high quality health services with compassion, dignity, and respect to all, without exception. Since its founding in 1875, the hospital has been affiliated with New York Medical College, representing the oldest partnership between a hospital and a private medical school in the United States. Metropolitan is a part of the NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal hospital and health care system in the country.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Job Description

Critical Time Intervention (CTI) is an evidence-based model designed to support patients with complex needs in achieving full and healthy lives. It focuses on promoting community integration, enhancing self-efficacy, and building a robust network of formal and informal supports. CTI teams conduct assertive outreach and engage patients with multiple behavioral health, medical, and social care needs, such as homelessness or justice involvement, with a particular focus on those who have had frequent contact with the healthcare system. The team supports patients during their transition from the hospital to the community, working to connect them with long-term, stabilizing resources. Ideal candidates for this role will be able to provide flexible patient-centered support in both clinical settings and in the field as needed.

The CTI Mental Health Counselor, under supervision, and in collaboration with CTI staff, provides an array of counseling services to CTI patients. The Counselor will demonstrate a firm understanding of the personal challenges and systemic barriers experienced by CTI patients during significant life transitions. This Counselor will demonstrate the willingness to engage and build alliances with others and have a strong sense and respect for the dignity and worth of all vulnerable patients. The nine-month CTI model will require a Counselor that is invested in this phased treatment approach that will support our patients through this process.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage an active caseload of patients and provide direct support through the CTI nine-month phased model of care.
• Conduct comprehensive patient intake assessments, including psychosocial evaluations, mental status examinations, safety assessments, and treatment plans.
• Identify and address high-risk behaviors (e.g., suicidality, substance abuse, violence, human trafficking) with appropriate interventions and escalation as necessary.
• Document all interactions and updates in the electronic medical record (EPIC) and other required HIPAA-compliant portals.
  
  

Patient-Centered Support

• Provide solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and other evidence-based therapies to support patient wellness.
• Collaborate with patients’ identified social supports (e.g., family, agency staff, community members) and integrate their input into assessments and treatment plans.
• Educate patients and their support networks about the CTI model and its phased approach to care.
• Actively participate in team discussions with multidisciplinary staff to coordinate care and amplify the patient’s voice.
  
  

Collaboration

• Liaise with other healthcare providers (e.g., inpatient units, CPEP, primary care) to ensure cohesive treatment plans and shared patient outcomes.
• Work closely with social and community agencies to connect patients with resources and services that support their overall well-being.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Assignment Level II

• Valid license and current registration to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the NYSED and two (2) years of full-time, paid, professional experience providing direct client care in a behavioral health setting.
  
  

Department Preferences

How To Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs