Mental Health Counselor
Columbus, OH APDS
Description

The Mental Health Clinician will provide comprehensive, high-quality clinical and school-based mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults served by APDS and its partners. This role integrates school-based social-emotional support, general outpatient mental health care, and community collaboration to promote academic success, emotional well-being, recovery, and long-term stability.

The clinician will deliver assessments, intervention, treatment planning, and prevention services using evidence-based practices while working collaboratively with schools, families, courts, child-serving systems, and community partners.

Duties/Responsibilities:

School-Based Clinical & Student Support Services

  • Provide direct social-emotional and behavioral health services to students through individual and group interventions.
  • Conduct assessments to identify student needs and develop appropriate intervention and support plans.
  • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school staff, and families to create supportive learning environments.
  • Participate in crisis intervention, case management, and referral services to internal and community-based resources.
  • Support student attendance, retention, and academic success through advocacy, monitoring, and resource coordination.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of IEPs and 504 Plans, as appropriate.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
  • Provide consultation and training to school staff related to social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and behavioral interventions.
  • All other duties as requested 

General Mental Health & Clinical Services 

  • Conduct comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments, including readiness for change. 
  • Develop individualized treatment and prevention plans aligned with identified clinical needs. 
  • Facilitate individual and group counseling addressing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, anger/anxiety management, domestic violence behaviors, and trauma-related concerns. 
  • Utilize evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and ASAM Criteria for substance use disorders. 
  • Provide ongoing client advocacy and facilitate access to supportive resources that promote recovery, reintegration, and stability. 
  • All other duties as requested 

Collaboration, Documentation & Program Support 

  • Collaborate with internal APDS staff, AUS, National Center for Urban Solutions, Franklin County Courts, Franklin County Children Services, and other partners to ensure coordinated care. 
  • Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records, treatment plans, progress notes, and required documentation in accordance with APDS standards. 
  • Participate in data collection, reporting, quality assurance, and peer review activities. 
  • Assist with program development, curriculum enhancement, and implementation of best practices across school-based and community services. 

Organizational & Professional Responsibilities 

  • Maintain required productivity levels and complete all documentation within designated timeframes. 
  • Provide professional, timely correspondence with authorized contacts regarding student and client progress. 
  • Participate in scheduled supervision sessions, all-staff meetings, and assigned committees.
  • Participate in Quality Assurance and/or Peer Review sessions (weekly or monthly, as assigned). 
  • Maintain compliance with all APDS/AUS and partner policies and procedures. 
  • Complete a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of relevant training annually. 
  • Support student/client retention strategies across programs. 
  • Serve as a substitute facilitator in other APDS programs as qualified and requested. 
  • Participate in and support APDS/AUS activities and community events. 
  • All staff are required to maintain work schedules that adhere to APDS operating hours in order to meet client service needs
  • This includes, at minimum, one designated on-site workday per week through close of business
  • Requests for deviation from this requirement will not be approved. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
  • Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program OR Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or addiction counseling program. 
  • Valid Ohio license through the CSWMFT Board: 
LSW or LISW OR · LPC or LPCC 
  • Eligible for or currently holding an Ohio Department of Education Five-Year Pupil Services License or Registration (School Social Work). 
  • Demonstrated experience working with children, adolescents, families, and/or justice-involved individuals. 
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and clinical documentation skills. 
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practices, and integrated support systems. 
  • Ability to meet background check and drug-free workplace requirements. 

Skills and Competencies 

  • Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation. 
  • Efficient use of computer word processing programs, email, and internet
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
  • Demonstrates maturity and professionalism within interpersonal relationships 
  • Effective independent time management and prioritization skills 
  • Experience working at or collaborating with family centered organizations 
  • Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and ethical decision-making. 
  • Experience working within the criminal justice system or with justice-involved individuals.
Salary Description
75,000-90,000/yr