Crisis Counselor

Crisis Services Counselor***This is an Extra Help non-benefited position limited to 999 hours per fiscal year*** DEFINITION Under direction of the Behavioral Health Care Clinical Program Manager or Director of Behavioral Health, provides crisis intervention services for the 24-Hour Crisis Services Program; evaluates individuals in the Amador County Jail, Sutter Amador Hospital emergency room, or the offices of the County Behavioral Health Department. May initiate involuntary psychiatric holds under the provisions of W&I Code 5150. Provide mobile crisis interventions and follow up. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey and licensed level of the Crisis Services Counselor series. Positions in this class include the licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Associate (AMFT), the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Associate (ACSW) and the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Associate (APCC). LPPC and APCC must have additional training for couples and families. This classification differs from a Behavioral Health Care Clinician in that the incumbent primarily performs crisis focused evaluations and interventions. Incumbents are required to perform 24/7 crisis intervention services, requiring response within one hour to the designated location – including 24/7 mobile crisis. This classification does not typically carry a caseload. Level II may provide clinical supervision to unlicensed staff.REPORTS TO Behavioral Health Care Program Manager or Director of Behavioral Health.CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED Exercises no supervision. May provide training to other staff.EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.Performs triage to assign crisis intervention priorities; provides crisis intervention counseling and interventions, including attempting to prevent an involuntary hold – including mobile crisis intervention.Interviews the client's immediate family members, e.g., spouse or domestic partner, parents, other caretakers for precipitating background information and their ability to provide supportive observation and/or care following the crisis event.Enlists the cooperation and support of other first responders, the emergency room staff, law enforcement personnel, etc., to understand the context of the crisis and in providing ongoing support to the client and family.Evaluates the client's level of suicide potential, psychiatric dysfunction, and/or ability to provide essential self-care in developing a care plan.Develops and implements short term care plan to ensure the immediate safety of the client and most appropriate level of care.Consults with Leadership, medical and psychiatric personnel on complex cases prior to finalizing a care plan.Integrates the services of the Behavioral Health Department and other community providers and agencies into the client's individualized care plan.When necessary, initiates an involuntary hold, notifying and collaborating with other county crisis services when clients are residents of another county, arranging appropriate treatment/placement, and transportation to the holding facility.Performs mental health screenings and biopsychosocial assessments.Performs related duties as assigned which may include but is not limited to preparing correspondence and reports, copying and filing documents, answering telephone, ordering supplies and materials, entering computer data, maintaining logs and lists, sending and receiving faxes, processing mail, etc.Ensures the safety of the spouse or domestic partner, children, involved family, and other effected individuals in the crisis situation, including the legally required notifications of potential harm to them.Arranges and documents referrals to appropriate providers and agencies for the immediate and short term treatment plan.Thoroughly completes documentation of the crisis intervention activities as soon as possible after the conclusion of each event and submits the documentation on a daily basis to the Behavioral Health Department.Attends mandatory monthly crisis services staff meeting.Eligible to participate in behavioral health education programs, conferences and community programs as available.LEVEL II – Provides clinical supervision, both group and individual to unlicensed staff as directed.LEVEL II – Provides and/or oversees training for new direct service staff.ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Crisis intervention principles and techniques, and county and facility procedures on risk management, client care management, ethical and legal rights for detainment and notification. Psychosocial features of mental illness and substance use disorders. Protocols and/or guidelines for suicide assessment and psychosocial dysfunction. Therapeutic treatment methods and procedures in the behavioral health field. State, Federal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements for the provision of behavioral health services and programs including involuntary psychiatric detainment. Ability to: Provide skilled crisis intervention; document clinical notes and administrative records. Advise first responders, law enforcement personnel, spouse or domestic partner, family members, other medical and psychiatric personnel on care plan and provision of supportive care as appropriate. Analyze case information and reach sound intervention decisions. Perform skilled counseling. Maintain composure and awareness during crisis interventions. Prepare clear, relevant, and accurate reports. Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, other medical and psychiatric personnel, community agency representatives, law enforcement personnel, and the public.TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move object weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Positions in this class require the incumbents to:Work is usually performed in an office environment, hospital, jail or other community based settings.Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.Work during non-routine hours, including evenings, holidays and weekends.Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement, very hot or very cold weather.Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels.Telephone contact with facilities, first responders, law enforcement and other county personnelTRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training which would likely provide the required knowledge and experience is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Crisis Services Counselor I: Education Possession of a Master's Degree in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, counseling, nursing, or related human services field from an accredited college or university. Experience Employment experience in providing crisis intervention services in a human services agency preferred. Registration Requirements Registration by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as either an Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT), an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW), or an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). Crisis Services Counselor II: Education Possession of a Master's Degree in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, counseling, nursing, or related human services field from an accredited college or university. Experience Three (3) years of professional experience in your field of practice. License Requirements Licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as either a Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Note: Loss of State BBS licensure or registration shall result in termination or reassignment, if such vacancy exists and the incumbent meets the minimum requirements for the vacant. Special Requirements Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License issued by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles.