Clinical Counselor 1

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-time | Variable ShiftsWhy You'll Love Working HereAs a Clinical Counselor at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll provide compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. You'll play a key role in assessing, planning, and delivering therapeutic services that promote emotional healing, safety, and long-term well-being for patients and their families. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Compensation: Starting pay begins at $28.67 per hour, with competitive rates based on experience, education, and licensure.

Schedule: Full-time, variable shifts including weekends and holidays.

Education: Clinical Counselor I (QMHP – Qualified Mental Health Professional)

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant behavioral health experience preferred.

Licenses/Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at hire.

Skills & Abilities: Strong therapeutic and assessment skills with the ability to develop individualized care plans. Knowledge of treatment approaches for adult and geriatric populations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, and team members. Ability to manage crisis situations with professionalism and composure. Commitment to ethics, patient confidentiality, and high-quality care.

Physical & Work Environment: Frequent standing, walking, and patient interaction exceeding 8 hours per shift. Lift, push, pull, or transfer up to and over 50 lbs. Exposure to patients in behavioral health settings and potential risk of bloodborne pathogens. May work irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Requires strong visual acuity and manual dexterity for documentation and therapeutic interventions. What Sets Us ApartCareer Growth: Access ongoing professional development, clinical supervision, and continuing education opportunities. Impactful Work: Provide critical behavioral health support that helps patients and families achieve stability, resilience, and recovery. Community & Lifestyle: Boone, North Carolina offers a vibrant mountain community, exceptional quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation — consistently ranked among the best small towns in America by Forbes and Southern Living. Inclusive Culture: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion — fostering a respectful and empowering workplace for all. Ready to make a lasting impact in behavioral health? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and help us provide compassionate, patient-centered care that strengthens our community.