Counsellors Onboarding Checklist

Counsellors Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Counsellors starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Therapy onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Counsellors, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Counsellors onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Counsellors Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new counselor attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new counselor is introduced to their colleagues and key team members. This allows them to establish relationships, understand the team dynamics, and foster collaboration. The task is usually performed by the team leader or supervisor.

3. Review of Client Caseload: The new counselor reviews the existing client caseload to gain an understanding of the clients they will be working with. This includes reviewing client files, treatment plans, and any relevant notes. The task is typically performed by the outgoing counselor or a designated supervisor.

4. Training on Therapy Techniques: The new counselor receives training on therapy techniques specific to the company’s approach or modality. This may involve attending workshops, webinars, or receiving one-on-one training from a senior counselor or clinical director.

5. Familiarization with Documentation Systems: The new counselor becomes familiar with the company’s documentation systems, including electronic health records (EHR) or other record-keeping platforms. They learn how to document client sessions, progress notes, and any required forms. This task is usually performed by the clinical director or a designated trainer.

6. Review of Ethical Guidelines: The new counselor reviews the ethical guidelines and professional standards relevant to their occupation, such as those set by the American Counseling Association (ACA) or other professional bodies. This ensures they adhere to ethical practices in their counseling work. The task may be performed by the clinical director or a designated ethics committee member.

7. Introduction to Supervision and Consultation: The new counselor is introduced to the supervision and consultation process within the company. They learn how to seek guidance, discuss challenging cases, and receive feedback from their supervisor or a designated clinical consultant.

8. Review of Company Policies and Procedures: The new counselor reviews the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to confidentiality, client rights, scheduling, billing, and emergency protocols. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated policy coordinator.

9. Introduction to Resources and Referral Networks: The new counselor is introduced to the resources and referral networks available to clients within the company. They learn about community resources, support groups, and other services that may be beneficial for clients. This task is usually performed by the clinical director or a designated resource coordinator.

10. Shadowing and Observation: The new counselor has the opportunity to shadow and observe experienced counselors in client sessions. This allows them to learn from their colleagues, observe different therapeutic approaches, and gain practical insights. The task is typically coordinated by the clinical director or a designated mentor.

11. Review of Administrative Tasks: The new counselor reviews the administrative tasks they are responsible for, such as scheduling appointments, managing client files, and billing procedures. They learn how to navigate the company’s administrative systems and software. This task is usually performed by the administrative staff or a designated administrative trainer.

12. Introduction to Continuing Education Opportunities: The new counselor is introduced to the continuing education opportunities available within the company or through external providers. They learn about workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. This task may be performed by the clinical director or a designated professional development coordinator.

13. Introduction to Crisis Intervention Procedures: The new counselor is trained on the company’s crisis intervention procedures, including how to handle emergencies, suicidal ideation, or other critical situations. They learn who to contact and how to ensure client safety. This task is typically performed by the clinical director or a designated crisis response team.

14. Review of Performance Expectations: The new counselor reviews the performance expectations and evaluation criteria set by the company. They understand what is expected of them in terms of client outcomes, productivity, and professional conduct. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or HR department.

15. Introduction to Cultural Competence: The new counselor receives training on cultural competence and diversity awareness to ensure they provide inclusive and culturally sensitive counseling services. This may involve attending workshops, participating in diversity training sessions, or receiving guidance from a designated diversity coordinator.

16. Introduction to Technology and Teletherapy: If the company offers teletherapy services, the new counselor is trained on the technology platforms and protocols for conducting online counseling sessions. They learn how to ensure client privacy and maintain therapeutic boundaries in a virtual setting. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated teletherapy coordinator.

17. Introduction to Quality Assurance and Compliance: The new counselor is introduced to the company’s quality assurance and compliance processes. They learn about audits, documentation reviews, and any regulatory requirements they need to adhere to. This task is usually performed by the quality assurance department or a designated compliance officer.

18. Introduction to Marketing and Networking: The new counselor is introduced to the company’s marketing strategies and networking opportunities. They learn how to promote their services, engage with potential referral sources, and contribute to the company’s growth. This task may be performed by the marketing department or a designated marketing coordinator.

19. Introduction to Self-Care and Wellness Initiatives: The new counselor is introduced to the company’s self-care and wellness initiatives. They learn about resources, workshops, or activities aimed at supporting their own well-being and preventing burnout. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated wellness coordinator.

20. Evaluation and Feedback: The new counselor participates in an evaluation and feedback session to assess their progress, address any concerns, and identify areas for further development. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or a designated performance evaluator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Counsellors checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Counsellors up to speed and working well in your Therapy team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.