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Counseling Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Housing Specialist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

... counseling; assist in symptom management, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as client's needs change. Educate and support client's families, and advocate for client rights ...

Housing Specialist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

... counseling; assist in symptom management, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as client's needs change. Educate and support client's families, and advocate for client rights ...

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Counseling Assistant information

What are the 7 types of counseling?

The seven main types of counseling are individual, group, family, marriage, career, substance abuse, and mental health counseling. Each type focuses on different issues and uses specific techniques to support clients' needs. Counseling assistants may work in various settings, assisting licensed professionals across these counseling types.

What field of counseling pays the most?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists tend to have the highest salaries due to advanced education, licensure, and specialized skills. These roles often require a doctoral degree and offer higher compensation compared to other counseling fields such as school or mental health counseling.

What is a counselor assistant called?

A counselor assistant is often referred to as a mental health aide, behavioral health technician, or counseling aide. These roles support licensed counselors by assisting with client activities, administrative tasks, and program implementation, often requiring relevant training or certification. They work in settings such as clinics, schools, or community organizations and may need to understand confidentiality and basic counseling principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Counseling Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counseling Assistant, you generally need a background in psychology or social work, strong interpersonal skills, and at least an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with client management software, scheduling tools, and basic office systems is typically required. Active listening, empathy, and strong organizational skills help Counseling Assistants build rapport with clients and support counselors effectively. These abilities are crucial for maintaining a supportive environment, managing sensitive information, and ensuring smooth counseling operations.

What are Counseling Assistants?

Counseling Assistants are professionals who support licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists by performing administrative tasks, assisting with client intake, and maintaining records. They may also help facilitate communication between clients and counselors, schedule appointments, and provide basic information about counseling services. While they do not typically provide therapy themselves, their role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of counseling offices and supporting client needs. Counseling Assistants often work in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Their responsibilities may also include handling confidential information and ensuring a welcoming environment for clients.

What is the difference between Counseling Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectCounseling AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, outpatient facilitiesHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, educational institutionsHospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesSimilar support roles in mental health settings

Both Counseling Assistants and Mental Health Technicians support mental health services, but Counseling Assistants typically work in outpatient or educational settings with less direct patient care, while Mental Health Technicians often work in inpatient or hospital environments providing more hands-on support. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, making them common points of comparison for those exploring careers in mental health support.

How does a Counseling Assistant typically support licensed counselors during client sessions and follow-up care?

Counseling Assistants play a crucial role in supporting licensed counselors by handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining confidential records, and preparing materials for sessions. They may also assist in gathering client information, monitoring session progress, and following up with clients to ensure continuity of care. While they do not provide direct counseling, their organizational support helps counselors focus on client needs. Effective communication and collaboration with the counseling team are essential for ensuring clients receive timely and coordinated support.

Do you need a degree to be a counselor assistant?

Counseling assistants typically do not need a college degree, but some employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, organization, and basic knowledge of mental health practices are important, and on-the-job training is common. Requirements can vary depending on the employer and specific role.
What job categories do people searching Counseling Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Counseling Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Counseling Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Counseling Assistant job openings:

$25 - $30/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for assisting the counseling center staff in performing appropriate clinical functions in order to facilitate client movement between counseling center programs and/ or completing clients from the programs. This position presents education lectures, facilitates counseling groups (under the direct oversight of the primary counselor or clinical supervisor), conducts substance abuse testing, assist with case management, and assists in documentation. The counseling assistant will assist with completing new client orientations as well as assist with discharge planning. This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits. The schedule is M-F 8:30am-4:30pm.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for assisting in orientation sessions for clients and documenting appropriate movement between phases

Monitors client supervision, including taking vitals, urine drug screen and breathalyzers.

Assist primary counselors with documentation and chart compliance

Assist staff and clients in maintaining adherence to posted schedule

Co-Facilitates groups as scheduled or as needed

Coordinate information communication to ensure smooth transitions and dissemination of appropriate information

Attend appropriate meetings, assembling information for staff and reporting any issues observed with the milieu

Oversee communication of client's medical concerns with the nurse and medical consultants

Assist counselors in contacting clients, referral sources, and parent (if applicable) about any client change in status

Present education lectures as assigned and facilitate counseling groups as needed.

Provide crisis intervention as needed

Responsible for assuring program systems are employed according to Program's policies and procedures

Conducts Urine drug screens and random breathalyzes

Document the Electronic Medical Record, all significant client interactions, changes in behavior, medical or psychiatric interventions

Complete Incident Reports as needed

Contact referral sources and document in client medical records in cases of ATAs, AWOLs, and discharges

Develop, implement and maintain leisure, social and spiritual program goals, objectives and actions to address areas of the whole person affected by addiction

Assist Program Manager to develop dynamic leisure, social and spiritual component to treatment

Responsible for maintaining/monitoring activities and education schedule for clients and family

Ensure that client informational boards are appropriate and current

Maintain ethical standards and continued professional growth, including

a. Abide by Program and NCTR policy and procedures. Oversees staff understanding and compliance.

b. Ensure all CARF standards are instituted and maintained

c. Promote, in public and private contacts, the quality standards and ethical practices of NCTR staff.

d. Continue professional growth by attending workshops, trainings and staff

In-service trainings to increase skill and knowledge and to set appropriate example for staff

Maintain current licensure/certification including CES, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Management.

e. Maintain professional boundaries with staff and clients

f. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor


QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates degree in human services field or equivalent years working in addiction treatment field preferred

Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC-A, CAC, CSAC) or able to obtain within one year

Certification in CPR, First Aid,

Familiarity with 12-step recovery programs

Possess valid driver's license and safe driving record


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation

Ability to comply with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality

Knowledge of recreation therapy, family therapy and behavior management techniques

Ability to work and communicate with others

Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with clients

Possess a thorough knowledge of various treatment methods and experience working with diverse populations.

General computer knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to use of email and basic timekeeping

Good written and verbal skills


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.


NCTR is an Equal Opportunity Employer