MENTAL HEALTH SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Nov 27, 2025 - The Mental Health Professional possesses experience in conducting assessments, delivering therapeutic interventions, and supporting individuals across diverse clinical settings. This role demands strong knowledge of evidence-based practices, crisis-management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The individual also needs excellent communication abilities, cultural sensitivity, and proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation to ensure high-quality client care.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Mental Health Resume
  • Individual Counseling
  • Family Counseling
  • Case Management
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Treatment Planning
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Mental Status Assessment
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Community Referral
  • Group Facilitation
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  • Building Rapport
  • Team Coordination
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Professional Collaboration
  • Clinical Participation
  • Safety Maintenance
  • Peer Feedback
  • Service Coordination
  • Supportive Counseling

Summary of Mental Health Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Psychology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience working with various computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet applications, and database applications).
  • Experience working with and maintaining confidential information.
  • Experience with medical terminology.
  • Experience filing alphabetically and numerically with legible handwriting and spelling/grammar aptitude.
  • Prior experience in Psychiatry.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.
  • Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
  • Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to the role, and the keyboard.

2. BA in Clinical Psychology with 2 years of Experience

  • Current BLS certification for Healthcare Providers issued by the American Heart Association
  • Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant training program.
  • Coursework in Psychology, Sociology, Communication, Nursing, or other healthcare-related fields.
  • Recent clinical experience in a psychiatric inpatient hospital setting, working with an adult population.
  • Recent clinical experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Mental Health Associate (MHA).
  • Knowledge of the bio-psycho-social needs of psychiatric patients.
  • Knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic nursing care and mental health care to acute psychiatric patients.
  • Excellent observation and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to be calm and therapeutic.
  • Ability to be a team player.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

3. BA in Sociology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience working directly with adults in a behavioral health setting.
  • Previous case management experience.
  • Demonstrated computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook).
  • Knowledge of community resources specific to the assigned region.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions.
  • Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR), Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Must be able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and crisis intervention techniques using agency-trained protocols.

4. BS in Neuroscience with 4 years of Experience

  • Current RN/RPN certification and license in good standing.
  • First Aid/ CPR certification up to date.
  • Work experience in the Mental Health-related field.
  • Comfortable with online systems and platforms such as Collaborative Health Record (our EMR), Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Exceptional organizational and customer service skills.
  • Strong team player capable of interacting professionally and with a positive attitude with staff and healthcare providers.
  • Ability to handle and communicate effectively with challenging clients.
  • Must be fluent in both French and English.
  • Training in CBT, DBT, and/or Motivational Interviewing.
  • Medical Office Assistant experience.

5. BS in Social Work with 5 years of Experience

  • Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists.
  • Active or eligible registration with the Alberta College of Social Work (ACSW) or the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses.
  • Active or eligible registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) or the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA).
  • Must hold current full registration with a regulated professional body under the Health Professions Act.
  • Directly related experience working in the addiction and mental health field.
  • Community and crisis experience.
  • Strong knowledge of addiction and mental health disorders across populations and experience in using the DSM-5 diagnostic system.
  • Strong working knowledge of the addiction and mental health system and resources within AHS Calgary Zone and related resources in the Calgary community.
  • Strong critical thinking, assessment, and intervention skills, including crisis intervention skills.
  • Ability to manage a wide variety of clinical situations with varying levels of acuity and a heterogeneous client population.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively liaise with various professionals.
  • Ability to work confidently, independently, and within collaborative partnerships.
  • Ability to thoroughly and accurately collect and document information on time.
  • Proficiency in computer navigation (Minimum of 53 wpm as supported by a typing test).
  • Ability to work in a sedentary job.

6. BS in Behavioral Science with 4 years of Experience

  • Previous clinical experience.
  • Can provide evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Art/Interactive Play Therapy.
  • An independent mental health license in the state.
  • Experience providing direct psychotherapy services to individuals and families.
  • Solid computer and basic technology skills.
  • Demonstrated history of professional growth and development.
  • Self-motivated and independent clinicians, and able to quickly build rapport with clients.
  • Competent with a wide range of clinical presentations.
  • Experience with children or adolescents.
  • Experience with couples or family counseling.
  • Experience with health psychology.

7. BA in Child Development with 3 years of Experience

  • Must be a certified or license-eligible Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or have certification in a related field.
  • Relevant experience working with children, caregivers, and families, as well as experience in working with populations who have experienced trauma or significant loss.
  • Clinical counseling experience with children and parents affected by loss or trauma.
  • Knowledge of community resources and agencies that serve families affected by loss or trauma.
  • Ability to function and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work on an interdisciplinary team.
  • Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations.
  • An organized work style, good follow-through skills, and the ability to keep organized written documentation.
  • Demonstrated skills in the provision of services in a multicultural environment.
  • Experience in health or hospital settings.
  • Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) to the patient population served.

8. BA in Human Services with 1 year of Experience

  • American Heart Association (AHA), Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification.
  • Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure.
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions.
  • Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment.
  • Knowledge and skill in the use of job-appropriate technology and software applications.
  • Must meet and maintain current unit-specific and organizational skills/competencies, certifications/licensures, as required by the area.

9. BS in Public Health with 2 years of Experience

  • Must be able to obtain licensure to offer mental health counseling in the state
  • Demonstrated clinical experience working.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Working knowledge of the Microsoft suite.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Demonstrated commitment and ability to practice effective communications with students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a complex workload, prioritize tasks, and use good judgment in providing services.
  • Documentation on time, EHR experience, and ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
  • Licensed as an LCPC in the state by the start date.
  • Experience and interest in providing outreach and consultation.

10. BS in Biology with 1 year of Experience

  • Must have applied to take the LSW or LCP examination.
  • Must have proof of vaccination or an approved Medical exemption.
  • Ability to maintain assigned community and home-based services.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

11. BA in Family Studies with 4 years of Experience

  • Licensed master’s level clinicians with family systems training.
  • Experience in Family Focused Solution-Based or Family Based Mental Health Services, and writing psychological assessments. 
  • Technical versatility to implement a variety of treatment interventions to ameliorate child/family needs.  
  • Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. 
  • Familiar with psychiatric diagnosis and knowledgeable of supportive and concrete services available to children and families via community and social service organizations. 
  • Ability to demonstrate effective problem-solving and negotiation skills with consumers and to empower families. 
  • Familiarity with solutions-focused and family systems therapy models. 
  • Mandatory ability to be "crisis on-call" to families during office hours and be part of a "crisis on-call" departmental rotation after office hours and on weekends. 
  • Ability to maintain highly confidential data in compliance with HIPAA. 
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills. 
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and multitask to meet important deadlines. 

12. BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences with 1 year of Experience

  • Current CPR Certification (American Heart Association Healthcare Provider).
  • Understanding of the basic concepts of safe, supportive, nurturing, and therapeutic human interactions.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including customer service, patience, empathy, and compassion, and therapeutic human interactions.
  • Effectively interacts and communicates with patients, peers, and families.
  • Understanding of program and philosophy, and can interpret and implement patient care.
  • Physical strength and stamina, as well as emotional stability.
  • Display an active interest in learning.
  • Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate leadership by training new employees.
  • Ability to effectively interact with patients, peers, and families.
  • Ability to understand and practice effective motivational techniques.
  • Demonstrate consistent ability to problem-solve and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

13. BS in Rehabilitation Studies with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience providing direct mental health counseling and/or case management services.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Independent Practice School Psychologist.
  • Must maintain an active clinical license, per the respective professional license board.
  • Must maintain active certification in specialized areas of practice and evidence-based treatment modalities.
  • Demonstrated skills in assessment tools, therapy with youth and families, crisis intervention, team building, and development.
  • Strong communication and writing skills.
  • Highly organized and effectively manages multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Can professionally articulate in communicating (oral and written) system development, change, and outcomes.
  • Demonstrated professionalism working in teams with internal colleagues and external audiences, both in person and through various electronic media.
  • Enthusiastic about advancing system change within the community.

14. BA in Applied Behavioral Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Must be licensed in the state as an LCSW, LPC, or LMFT.
  • Experience working in direct treatment with individuals and families, including evidence-based modalities, DSM-IV diagnosis, impact of mental health issues on family systems, individual and family therapy modalities, crisis assessment and intervention, and caseload management.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of the integrated team.
  • Ability to relate effectively with youth, adults, community, and referral sources.
  • Knowledge of Systems Theory and experience with couples and families.
  • Ability to balance work and self-care to maintain a positive mental attitude.
  • Ability to provide evidence-based practices and other approaches that promote health and well-being.
  • Ability to communicate with and advocate for the client with system partners.
  • Ability to effectively evaluate client progress and adjust treatment interventions.
  • Ability to perform assessments and diagnoses, and write and maintain treatment plans, documentation, progress records, and discharge criteria on time.
  • Excellent communication skills with clients, colleagues, and administration.
  • Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA regulations.
  • Ability to engage in respectful and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Professional appearance appropriate to the position.

15. BS in Cognitive Science with 2 years of Experience

  • Patient care experience in an acute psychiatric hospital or psychiatric health facility, or experience delivering direct patient care focused on behavioral disabilities.
  • Must hold BLS.
  • Demonstrated skills and ability to care for acutely mentally ill individuals.
  • Knowledge of the challenges involved in the management of the acute or chronically mentally ill patient and possible associated behaviors.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including computer skills.
  • Knowledge of basic mental health functions, such as assisting with activities of daily living, obtaining vital signs, and documenting observations.
  • Ability to relate empathetically to adult psychiatric patients.
  • Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
  • Knowledge of treatment philosophy, treatment goals, policies, rules, and regulations related to patient care, as well as interest in working in a recovery-promoting environment using a Wellness/Recovery Model.
  • Knowledge of the principles involved in the treatment, interventions, and procedures provided by the service.
  • Knowledge of the medical terminology used in the psychiatric care of patients.

16. BS in Community Health with 3 years of Experience

  • Trained related to psychopathology and therapeutic interventions.
  • Current BLS healthcare provider
  • Non-violent Crisis Intervention training within 6 months of hire.
  • Experience in psychological counseling, individual and group behavior, and the relationship between social, economic, and psychological factors.
  • Working knowledge of operating principles, major issues, governmental regulations, and code of ethics for the healthcare industry.
  • Ability to apply the above understanding appropriately to healthcare-related situations.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Ability to work independently or with limited supervision.