Crisis Counselor - Part Time

KENOSHA HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.
3536 52nd Street  Kenosha, WI 53144

POSITION SUMMARY
The Crisis Counselor provides walk-in, telephone and mobile interventions to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. This position also provides the client linkage and follow-up to community resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Crisis intervention for Kenosha County:

a. Respond in timely manner to caller; prioritize calls as necessary

b. Determine need for phone or on-site intervention and respond accordingly

c. Perform assessment and ascertain elements of crisis and degree of danger/urgency involved; obtain assistance as  needed and facilitate outcome

d. Defuse immediate crisis reactions; collaborate with involved parties to develop safety plan, advocate as needed and facilitate outcome

e. Provide supportive listening, feedback, information and referral

f. Respond to local detention facilities for suicide assessment of targeted inmates

2. Refer/provide authorization for county-funded services as appropriate

a. Consult with ER staff when voluntary placements need to be funded by Kenosha County

3. Assess/provide emergency psychiatric inpatient hospital authorization when deemed appropriate

a. Assist law enforcement in determining the need for involuntary inpatient care

b. Present alternatives when suitable i.e., safety planning

c. Assess and assist in determining suitable placement for voluntary detox of substance addicted persons

4. Assess/refer/admit to KARE Center for crisis stabilization and/or to defer emergency hospital admissions

a. May provide facilitating services (such as transportation) as needed

5. Respond to crime scenes as requested by Law Enforcement

a. Assist police as requested and instructed

b. Assist in defusing victims and witnesses

c. Provide referrals/immediately needed services

d. Create short term safety plans for victims and witnesses involved, facilitate as needed

6. Perform individual employee requirements for continuing education and clinical supervision as required for agency

a. Maintain accurate record of task completion

7. Perform other work as required by the Emergency Mental Health Services Supervisor

8. Promptly complete all required documentation for work as described above

PROFESSIONALISM

1. Conduct oneself in a professional manner

a. Maintain the confidentiality and other rights of participants, families and staff and follow HIPPA Guidelines for all verbal and written communication

b. Problem-solve difficult situations in a timely manner

c. Manage difficult or emotional consumer situations by responding promptly to needs, requests for assistance and services

d. Give, receive and act upon feedback from supervisors and co-workers in an appropriate manner

e. Maintain professional boundaries with consumers and co-workers at all times

f. Understand cultural diversity and have respect for others’ values and culture

g. Attend training as requested by supervisors

h. Other tasks as assigned by supervisors

QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s Degree required.

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

2. Ability to observe, interpret, assess and document human behaviors

3. Ability to maintain active pace for up to an eight hour shift

4. Professional attitude, strong work ethic, ability to work independently and to maintain solid, personal boundaries

5. Upon hire, must complete minimum of 40 hours training

6. Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally, in the English language

7. Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license with good driving record

8. Must carry own auto insurance with at least 100,000/300,000/100,000 coverage

9. Ability to maintain records and document case notes daily

10. Ability to give and accept feedback as a part of a team

11. Ability to traverse within the workspace and community frequently

12. Be willing to learn and work with the treatment philosophies

13. Bilingual in Spanish a plus

Kenosha Human Development Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or any other status protected under federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.