Associate Counselor

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

$66k-$79k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 6mo ago

Job Description

  • Title: Associate Counselor
  • Location: Brooklyn
  • Org Unit: Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry

Work Days

  • Weekly Hours: 35.00
  • Exemption Status: Exempt
  • Salary Range: $66,300.00 - $78,500.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary Screens, counsels and performs various activities relative to the treatment of patients within centers/clinics. This role may also provide administrative support to the center/clinic and participate in community outreach activities.

Job Responsibilities Provides individual manualized therapy after training and certification. Provides group sessions. Screens using standardized measures and evaluates prospective clients to determine if they meet the requirements/goals for the program. Refers to proper agency/community-based services as needed.

Orients new patients to the program’s goals, policies and procedures. Handles emergency situations utilizing appropriate judgment, communication methods and knowledge of community resources when appropriate. Writes letters, makes telephone referrals for clients and communicates with referral agents.

If applicable, assists with completing reports to be sent to outside agencies and regulatory bodies. May participate in on-going research as a therapist. Provides family consultation and/or interventions when appropriate. Writes progress reports and records other aspects of patient care.

Enters accurate and complete information into database systems in the timeframe specified by the program. Attends and participates in community meetings as needed. Education Master's Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling Experience Experience with community activities or outreach is helpful.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Proven ability to work independently and as an effective and collaborative member of a team. Possesses an understanding of, and practices, cultural sensitivity with diverse groups while providing direct services. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent listening skills and ability to empathize. Strong time management skills. Licenses and Certifications NYS License in social work (LMSW) or mental health counseling (LMHC) CASAC certification may be required for certain departments. Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Key Responsibilities

This role involves screening, counseling, and performing various activities related to patient treatment within centers or clinics, which may also include administrative support and community outreach. Key duties include providing manualized therapy, leading group sessions, evaluating prospective clients, and managing patient documentation and referrals.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling and hold an active NYS License in social work (LMSW) or mental health counseling (LMHC); CASAC certification might be required depending on the department. Essential abilities include proven teamwork, cultural sensitivity, excellent communication and listening skills, and strong time management.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

Individual TherapyClient EvaluationDatabase EntryVerbal CommunicationEmpathy

Geriatrics — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Geriatrics listings this role was benchmarked against, 42% are remote, 28% have no call, 56% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$72k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $67k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Weill Cornell Medical College holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 70/100, 36 active listings.

Top Counselor Jobs

40 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution40 jobs · 27 employers

18
<$85k
12
$85k-100k
8
$100k-115k
2
$115k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks26 jobs

401k / retirement match
92%
Sign-on bonus
42%
CME allowance
27%
PSLF eligible
12%
Relocation assistance
4%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

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+ 38 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Counseling listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 13,918 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site

Living in New York

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$876k≈ 13.2× annual pay
Typical market rent
$4,154/mo≈ 75% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
40 min
State income tax
Up to 10.9%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.