Clinical Counselor 1

Clinical Counselor Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-time | Non-Exempt Why You#ll Love Working Here As a Clinical Counselor at UNC Health Appalachian, you#ll play an essential role in providing compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. You#ll assess, plan, and deliver therapeutic services while working with patients, families, and care partners across the hospital and community.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, promoting emotional healing, safety, and long-term well-being, while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation

Starting at $28.67/hour, based on education, experience, and licensure Schedule: Full-time; variable days including weekends and holidays; 8:00 AM # 6:30 PM Benefits: Applicable benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You#ll Do as a Clinical Counselor Provide therapeutic counseling and behavioral health services to patients and families in accordance with established treatment plans. Conduct comprehensive assessments, formulate diagnoses, and develop individualized treatment goals. Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities.

Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and contribute to care planning. Coordinate care with other hospital departments, community agencies, and external providers. Conduct safety checks, intake evaluations, and discharge planning as needed. Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulatory and hospital standards.

Promote the mission, vision, and values of UNC Health Appalachian. Qualifications/Licenses Education: Clinical Counselor I (Qualified Mental Health Professional, QMHP): Bachelor#s degree in a Human Services field with 2 years of related experience, or a Bachelor#s degree in a non-Human Services field with 4 years of related experience.

Clinical Counselor II: Master#s degree in a Human Services field. Clinical Counselor III: Master#s degree or PhD in a Human Services field. Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant behavioral health experience preferred. Licensure: Clinical Counselor II: Provisional or Associate license required (LCSW-A). Full licensure must be obtained within 4 years to advance to Clinical Counselor III.

Clinical Counselor III: Full licensure required (LPC, LPA, LMFT, LCAS, or LCSW). Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at hire. Knowledge, Skills, # Abilities Strong therapeutic and assessment skills with the ability to develop individualized care plans. Knowledge of treatment approaches for adult and geriatric populations.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, and team members. Ability to manage crisis situations with professionalism and composure. Commitment to ethics, patient confidentiality, and high-quality care. Physical # Work Environment Frequent standing, walking, and patient interaction exceeding 8 hours per shift.

Lift, push, pull, or transfer up to and over 50 lbs. Requires strong visual acuity and manual dexterity for documentation and therapeutic interventions. Exposure to patients in behavioral health settings and potential risk of bloodborne pathogens. May work weekends and holidays, as outlined in the schedule above. What Sets Us Apart Career Growth: Access ongoing professional development, clinical supervision, and continuing education opportunities, with licensure-based advancement from Clinical Counselor I through III.

Impactful Work: Provide critical behavioral health support that helps patients and families achieve stability, resilience, and recovery. Community # Lifestyle: Located in Linville, North Carolina, UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to outdoor recreation, a welcoming mountain community, and an exceptional quality of life.

Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.

Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and workplace where every team member is respected and valued. Ready to Make a Lasting Impact in Behavioral Health? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Clinical Counselor and help provide compassionate, patient-centered behavioral health care that strengthens our community.

About UNC Health Appalachian UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply #making life better.

About UNC Health UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM.

Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu. #