Associate Behavioral Health Counselor

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.

Work Shift:

8 Hours - Evening Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

32

Compensation:

Salary Range: $23.00 - $36.00

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Sanford Behavioral Health is committed to investing in its employees through ongoing training, professional development, and evidence-based practice education. Whether you are early in your career or seeking leadership opportunities, there are pathways to help you grow and advance professionally.

Our team members receive supportive supervision, mentorship, and guidance from experienced professionals who are committed to helping them succeed. This collaborative environment fosters learning, skill development, and confidence in providing high-quality care.

If you are looking for a career with purpose, opportunities for growth, ongoing training, and strong supervision, Sanford Behavioral Health offers a rewarding environment where you can make a difference while building your future.

Summary

The Associate Behavioral Health Counselor requires a broad, yet solid, understanding of human behavior and theories of counseling. May work with a wide range of patient populations and presenting issues, requiring a foundation in a variety of treatment modalities. This role is a team-based role where responsibility for patient well-being is diffused among the treatment team and the overall responsibility lies with a clinical supervisor or admitting provider.

Job Description

The Associate Behavioral Health Counselor (ABHC) provides crisis intervention, stabilization, and support services to individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies within the Crisis Center's EmPATH Unit. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the ABHC assists with crisis assessment, safety monitoring, therapeutic interventions, group facilitation, and care coordination in a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment. The role promotes emotional stabilization, builds coping skills, supports treatment goals, and helps connect individuals to ongoing services while contributing to a safe, respectful, and therapeutic milieu.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies.
• Monitor safety, observe and document behavioral changes, and communicate concerns to the treatment team.
• Provide supportive counseling, skills coaching, emotional regulation support, and crisis de-escalation.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based groups.
• Maintain a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment that promotes recovery and dignity.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members on treatment planning, care coordination, and transitions of care.
• Assist with referrals, discharge planning, and connections to community resources.
• Complete timely, accurate documentation in accordance with organizational standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build therapeutic rapport and remain calm in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based groups.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in behavioral sciences or related field preferred, and completion of a practicum or internship. In Minnesota, must follow Minnesota State statute defining Mental Health Practitioner.

At least 4,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to persons with: mental illness, substance use disorders or emotional disturbances, traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities, OR, Has at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in behavioral sciences or related fields and at least 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in the delivery of services to persons with: mental illness, substance use disorders or emotional disturbances, traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.