A counselor job involves working in a number of different settings as well as dealing with clients facing marital, relationship, mental, lifestyle or family problems. Counselors may work in schools, colleges, hospitals, private clinics and mental health facilities.
The primary responsibility of a counselor is to provide complete patient care using individual, group and family therapy concepts. Managing the clinical care for the assigned patient caseload is an important aspect of a counselor’s job. Other day-to-day duties include conducting client screenings, providing individual assessments, developing initial treatment plans, conducting individual and group level counseling sessions, providing care and discharge planning and maintaining necessary program documentation including various types of reports and associated paperwork..
The minimum qualification required for a counselor job is a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology or related fields from an accredited college or university. A current license is important. Prior counseling experience is desirable. A successful counselor is an excellent listener and also possesses good communication and interpersonal skills.
