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Behavioral Health Counselor | Baptist Health System

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Counselor at Baptist Health System is a vital clinical role dedicated to providing community-based support and therapeutic services within a person-centered environment. Operating within one of San Antonio’s most established healthcare networks, you will utilize your expertise in mental illness symptomology and psychotropic medications to monitor patient progress and deliver high-quality interventions. This position is designed for a clinician who thrives in a collaborative, hospital-based setting, focusing on the holistic recovery of patients while working under periodic professional supervision to ensure the highest standards of care.

Key Responsibilities

Therapeutic Service Delivery: Provide direct counseling and therapeutic interventions to patients, utilizing evidence-based practices tailored to individual needs.
Community Support: Monitor and coordinate services that assist patients in navigating community-based resources and maintaining stability outside of acute clinical settings.
Clinical Monitoring: Assess diagnostic characteristics and symptomology of primary mental illnesses to track patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Medication Advocacy: Apply knowledge of common mental health medications, including their intended benefits and potential side effects, to educate patients and collaborate with the broader medical team.
Person-Centered Care: Foster a supportive environment that prioritizes the patient’s perspective, autonomy, and long-term well-being.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate, timely clinical records that adhere to hospital policies and regulatory standards.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education: Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related behavioral health field.
Licensure: Must hold a current Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation.
Experience: * New Graduates: Must have completed a supervised post-graduate counseling internship with documented direct client contact under a board-approved supervisor.
- Experienced Clinicians: Minimum of one (1) year of professional counseling experience.
Technical Knowledge: Basic proficiency in the diagnostic characteristics of mental illness and a fundamental understanding of behavioral health pharmacology.

About the Institution: Baptist Health System

Baptist Health System is a cornerstone of the San Antonio healthcare community, known for its commitment to advanced technology and compassionate care. As part of the Tenet Healthcare network, Baptist provides a collaborative environment where medical and behavioral health professionals work side-by-side. The system is dedicated to making a tangible impact on South Texas, prioritizing both patient outcomes and the professional fulfillment of its staff.

Market & Industry Context

The demand for integrated behavioral health services in San Antonio has seen significant growth as healthcare systems move toward “Whole Person Care.” At Baptist Health System, the Behavioral Health Counselor acts as a bridge between acute psychiatric care and community integration. In a city with a diverse population, your ability to provide culturally competent, person-centered therapy is essential for reducing readmission rates and improving the overall mental health landscape of the region.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Senior Behavioral Health Counselor: Taking on more complex cases and providing peer mentorship to newer clinicians or interns.
Clinical Supervisor: Moving into a role where you oversee the hours and professional development of LPC-Associates or interns.
Program Coordinator/Director: Transitioning into administrative leadership, managing specific behavioral health programs or units within the Baptist Health System.

Interview Preparation Insights

Diagnostic Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss how you differentiate between primary mental health symptoms and co-occurring conditions during initial assessments.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Since this is a hospital system, share examples of how you have collaborated with psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers to coordinate patient care.
Medication Knowledge: You may be asked how you handle a situation where a patient is experiencing significant side effects from a medication you are monitoring.
Person-Centered Approach: Reflect on a specific case where you successfully empowered a patient to take an active role in their own treatment planning.

Estimated Benefits & Rewards

Baptist Health System offers a comprehensive “Total Rewards” package designed for work-life balance and long-term security:

Insurance: Full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Retirement: 401(k) plan with an employer match.
Time Away: Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual.
Development: Access to continuing education (CEU) opportunities and career advancement tracks.
Wellness: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and various voluntary benefits (Pet, Legal, Accident, and Long-Term Care insurance).

Work Environment & Location Insights

This role is based in San Antonio, TX, within a hospital-based or community-based clinical setting. You will work in a fast-paced environment that requires emotional resilience and the ability to maintain a positive, supportive attitude under pressure. The position typically involves standard business hours, though specific shift requirements may vary based on the needs of the department.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Baptist Health System (and Tenet Healthcare) is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment practices are not influenced by race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. The institution participates in E-Verify and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Category	Key Specifications & Data Points
Role & Location	Behavioral Health Counselor
Education Req.	Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
Licensing Req.	Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Experience Req.	New graduates must have a supervised internship; otherwise, 1 year of experience.
Core Functions	Community support, therapeutic services, and monitoring services.
Clinical Focus	Diagnostic characteristics, symptomology of mental illness, and medication side effects.
Retirement	401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
Unique Benefits	Pet insurance, legal insurance, elder & childcare, and auto/home insurance.
Support Systems	Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Healthcare/Dependent FSAs.
Development	Career development and continuing education opportunities provided.

Clinical & Therapeutic Scope

Person-Centered Care: The role operates in a supportive, community-based environment focusing on the individual needs of the patient.
Knowledge Base: Counselors are expected to be proficient in the symptomology of primary mental illnesses and have a solid understanding of the benefits and risks of psychiatric medications.
Supervisory Structure: The LPC functions under periodic supervision to ensure clinical standards and professional growth.
Community Integration: Beyond direct therapy, the role involves monitoring services and providing broader community support to ensure holistic patient recovery.

The San Antonio “Local 22” Professional Spectrum

This addition brings your data set to 22 roles. This counselor position represents a highly specialized clinical path that requires significant academic investment compared to the other healthcare roles in your list.

Job Title	Industry	Education Required	Key Barrier
Behavioral Health Counselor	Healthcare	Master’s Degree	LPC State License
Clinical Trial Spec.	Research	Bachelor’s Degree	2+ Years Research Exp.
Key Account Mgr (Abbott)	Med-Tech	Bachelor’s Degree	5 Years Sales Exp.
PRN Caregiver	Home Care	High School / CNA	1 Year Experience

To apply for this job please visit www.baptisthealthsystem.com.