Position Title: Behavioral Health Counselor – MS (PRN, Flat Rate)Location: Riley Hospital, Indianapolis, INShift: Weekday and/or Overnights (PRN)
The Behavioral Health Counselor provides psychosocial support and therapeutic interventions to patients and families within a hospital setting. This role involves facilitating individual, group, and family counseling, coordinating discharge planning, and performing utilization review. The counselor collaborates with healthcare team members to ensure safe, timely, and resource-appropriate care, while addressing complex psychosocial needs related to illness, injury, or trauma. The counselor also acts as a liaison for abuse, neglect, guardianship, foster care, and community resources.
Key Responsibilities:Facilitate patient involvement in treatment and education within the care milieu. Conduct psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions for patients and families. Assist with discharge planning and utilization review, ensuring seamless care transitions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and support services. Serve as a point person for cases involving child and adult abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and protective services; coordinate with legal and community agencies. Provide mental health assessments upon physician referral. Support families and patients in understanding emotional, social, and financial impacts of health conditions. Mobilize community and family resources to meet identified needs. Maintain thorough documentation of interventions and case management activities.
Qualifications & Requirements:Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related mental health field. 0-3 years of relevant healthcare, mental health, or community experience. License-eligible in Indiana as an LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or LCAC; must have a minimum of a permanent LSW, LMHC-A, or LMFT-A upon hire. Certification in crisis intervention may be required; BLS certification may also be required. Knowledge of evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, DBT). Familiarity with legal mandates related to child and adult protective services. Understanding of growth and development principles across the lifespan. Ability to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and utilize crisis de-escalation techniques. Proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong ability to develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers.Core Competencies:
Demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and organizational values
Build rapport and trust with patients, families, and team members
Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing
Address problems proactively and deliver high-quality work efficiently
Adapt to changing priorities and organizational needs
Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
Join Our Team:If you are committed to supporting patients and families through challenging health journeys and want to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to apply. At Riley Hospital, we foster a collaborative environment focused on compassionate, family-centered care and professional growth. Join us in making a positive impact every day.To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health BenefitsInterested?
Apply now to join IU Health Indianapolis as a Counselor – Behavioral Health MS (PRN) and help us deliver flexible, expert mental health support to our patients and families!
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive system.
A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine—one of the nation’s largest medical schools—gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training—advancing healthcare for all.
At IU Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross-training development.
