Mental Health Counselor in Columbus, Ohio at Africentric Personal Development Shop

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

Other Requirements and/or Qualifications:

• School social work specialization or certificate.
• Familiarity with Ohio school systems, PBIS, and MTSS frameworks.
• Experience collaborating with courts, child welfare systems, and community service providers.
• Bilingual (Spanish, Somali, or other languages) preferred.