Crisis Counselor – Chester

Department: Operations/Behavioral Health

Reports to: Mobile Crisis Team Manager

Purpose of Position: In keeping with the Mission/Vision/Values of ComWell, a Crisis Counselor I provides strengths-based assessments to individuals in the community who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• ComWell expects all staff to have a strong desire to provide an excellent customer experience; to comply with the rules and regulations of those organizations to which we are accountable; to have high ethical and professional standards of conduct; must possess the flexibility to work with clients at various stages in their personal growth; and to have an attitude of wanting to continuously improve their own performance as well as that of ComWell.
• Shows consideration for others, works cooperatively with any coworker; provides constructive feedback without undue criticism of others; displays appreciation of differences in approaches, personalities, and viewpoints of others.
• Works professionally, respectfully, positively and cooperatively within a team-based framework to promote ComWell’s commitment to client personal growth.
• Supports the strategic goals and mission/vision/values of ComWell at all times when interacting with clients, co-workers and professionals from other organizations and presents a positive and professional demeanor.
• Treats all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or other legally protected status.
• Completes job requirements with independent action and resourcefulness. Organizes time, effort, and use of resources to achieve desired outcomes. Takes initiative to prevent and resolve problems and offers recommendations for improving services and transforming ComWell into an organization that embraces excellent customer experience.
• Have a thorough understanding on the impact of trauma on a person’s life. Understand the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients and families and be competent in delivering trauma-informed interventions that lessen the symptoms associated with trauma while improving the quality of life for all individuals.
• Have an awareness of and commitment to self-care practices that prevent or lessen the impact of secondary traumatization with staff and self.
• Participate in and recognize role in Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) initiatives. Have a general awareness on the importance of quality improvement throughout the organization. Identify opportunities for improvement through data, observation of operations or consultation with staff, residents, families or other stakeholders.
• Ensure quality service delivery to all clients based on the rules of governing the program and service being offered. Mental Health Services follows Rule 140, Substance Use Services are guided by Rule 2060 and both services must meet Council of Accreditation (COA) standards.
• Be available to receive and screen telephone calls from referral sources, including but not limited to: the initial crisis intervention telephone call, ComWell staff or the CARES line. It is anticipated the referral source will be contacted within 15 minutes of the initial call to conduct a preliminary assessment of need for mental health services.
• Collect required initial information from the referral source. Every person seeking services should be screened for trauma history using the state-approved instrument within the crisis setting.
• Must be able to respond to the crisis within 90 minutes of the initial call. If currently on another call, must have the screening/assessment skills to triage appropriately.
• Provide crisis intervention counseling either by telephone or face-to-face contact, depending upon the nature and circumstance of the crisis. Provide brief supportive therapy or counseling within the context of a potential psychiatric crisis to mediate conflicts, help solve problems, make decisions regarding placement and safety and provide support.
• Assist individuals who are in crisis with referrals and resource information in order to explore the least restrictive environment necessary to obtain assistance and to restore balance.
• Assist in decision making for individuals who are in crisis and to those individuals who are part of the crisis situation with decisions, such as placement and referral.
• Assist in the scheduling and reengagement of clients who cancel or fail follow-up crisis appointments. Ensure linkage to ComWell staff for further treatment engagement through client-centered consultation.
• Responsible for coordinating hospital discharges and follow-ups between ComWell and the discharging psychiatric hospital. Responsible for ensuring all proper and necessary documentation is received by ComWell from those hospitals for continuity of care purposes.
• To attend relevant meetings, staffing, and training activities.
• Complete all documentation within the established timeframes. This includes, but is not limited to, documentation to be entered into the Electronic Health Record (EHR), SASS/CARES website, IMCAT portal and eCornerstone website as required.
• Perform related or other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all ComWell policies and procedures.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Driver’s license and proof of valid automobile insurance.
• Must meet expectations required by CANTS check, criminal record and Health Care Workers Background Check.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a social service field. Mental Health Professional (MHP) or Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

Physical Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Driver’s license and proof of valid automobile insurance.
• Must meet expectations required by CANTS check, criminal record and Health Care Workers Background Check.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.

Job Type: On Call

Pay: $22.31 per hour

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Short term disability
• Long term disability
• Sick PTO
• Vacation PTO
• Paid Holidays

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must upload and submit your resume, complete with contact information. Either drag and drop your file in the upload area below or click the “Browse Files” text to locate your file and attach your document before clicking Submit Your Info button to send to the ComWell Human Resource Department. Any field marked with an asterisk (*) is required.