Crisis Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Endeavor Health Services is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Crisis Counselor to join our team in providing immediate and expert support to individuals in distress. As a vital member of our crisis intervention team, you will offer emotional support, crisis resolution, and guidance to those facing urgent mental health challenges. Your role is crucial in helping the people we serve navigate through their toughest moments, offering a lifeline during times of severe stress and crisis. If you are a skilled listener, a quick thinker, and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we invite you to apply.

The counselor functions as a member of the team providing direct service to people at the Center in need of immediate intervention and assisting with emerging situational circumstances.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Completes rapid assessment of people to triage for crisis service needs. Directs people to appropriate staff member to begin crisis visit.
• Conduct person-centered interviews to assess individual needs of each person presenting for services.
• Conduct pre-admissions screenings to determine appropriate level of care for the individual based on information gathered and knowledge of agency/community resources.
• Gather information for completing appropriate strength-based treatment planning, involving both the individual and their treatment team.
• Utilize selected evidence-based practices and/or screening tools as required by program regulations and guidelines. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the results of each screening tool. Assessments/Screens include but are not limited to: PHQ-9; GAD-7; CSSR-S; BH Risk Formulation; AUDIT-C; COWS, CIWA, utilize breathalyzer machine.
• Conduct risk assessment/suicide screenings on each person presenting to the program; full CSSR-S at initial presentation, shorter versions thereafter.
• Utilize supervision from the Program Supervisor and/or Program Director on a weekly basis and follow directives given by a supervisor.
• Complete all documentation in the EHR in a timely and accurate manner.
• Follow agency protocol for internal referrals.
• Utilize knowledge of community resources to review linkage plans and referrals to external resources.
• Participate in warm hand-offs for people referred through the Behavioral Health Team, Clubhouse, FACT, SOS, clinical services, PROS, TCM, PSR, or other internal programs.
• Conducts whole person health screenings at selected community organizations.
• Develops and facilitates groups within the clubhouse setting.
• Refer people, when appropriate, to a higher level of care including ECMC CPEP, detoxification services, and/or respite services under the direction of a senior staff member including Crisis Counselor II, Program Supervisor, or Director.
• Review all follow-up calls with clients and referral sources according to agency schedule.
• Maintain cultural sensitivity and competence with respect to agency clients and their families, as well as other employees and referral sources. Willing and capable of working with people of different cultural backgrounds. Willing to learn, articulate, and clarify their personal values, stereotypes, and biases about their own background and potential impacts related to relationship in working with individuals from different backgrounds. Maintain cultural sensitivity and competence with respect to agency clients and their families, as well as other employees and referral sources.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all agency policies, procedures, and governmental regulations including, but not limited to, all HIPAA policies. Assists individuals and/or families in identifying barriers that prevent them from accessing services and works with the agency team to help develop alternatives to barriers.
• Support and assist people in navigating and linking with services. Implement activities to involve people to actively engage in the recovery process.
• Pursues continuing & community education to develop skills necessary to effectively treat high-risk populations.
• May explain diagnoses and symptoms to people and their support systems.
• Utilize selected evidence-based practices and/or screening tools as required by program regulations and guidelines. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the results of each screening tool . Assessments/Screens include but are not limited to: PHQ-9; GAD-7; CSSR-S; BH Risk Formulation; AUDIT-C; COWS, CIWA, utilize breathalyzer machine.
• Reviews referrals for hospitalization for appropriate use of these resources.
• Linkage and referrals for external resources.
• All follow-up calls with clients and referral sources according to agency schedule.
• Meet with individuals in a designated program area within an agency site or in the community to help provide support, advocacy, and conduct behavioral health assessments.
• May conduct community outreach activities to promote the work of their assigned program area. May represent EHS on local and regional committees.
• Advise supervisor regarding clients for discharge.
• Provide guidance and support to peer and support staff.

Qualifications

Must have the ability to take personal responsibility as well as work with a team in a fluid environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience

• Must possess a Master’s Degree from a recognized college or university in counseling or social work and be eligible for licensure within 18 months of hire (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, CASAC 2, etc.)
• Two years experience in community/crisis response work preferred but not required.
• Demonstrable knowledge base upon which the individual can understand and provide direct clinical services and advisement to clients.

Salary starting at $55,267.65 - $68,776/year depending on education, credential and experience.

Endeavor Health Services is a private, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the development of accessible and effective services, driven towards improving the emotional wellness and behavioral health of residents of Western New York, Rochester, and the surrounding communities.

We offer competitive salaries and an array of employee benefits, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Company Paid Vision and Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Disability
• Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Supplemental Short Term Disability 
• 401 (K) retirement savings plan with company contribution
• 10 paid holidays
• Generous paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program

Endeavor Health Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of fairness and respect. We welcome prospective employees from various cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities with which we work in partnership.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.