Crisis Response Counselor - Masters Required - Knoxville

Job Summary

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We’re seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview:

Youth Villages’ Specialized Crisis Services (SCS) Program provides rapid, effective assessment and intervention for youth up to age 18 who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, such as suicidal or homicidal thoughts, severe depression, physical aggression, psychosis, or acting in a destructive or uncontrollable manner. The program offers thorough, strength-based assessments and crisis management to ensure the safety of the youth and others involved. Families, community members, and providers can reach out for support regardless of whether the youth is currently receiving services from Youth Villages.

SCS staff work closely with the youth, their family, and key community partners to evaluate risk factors and develop an immediate plan for stabilization. Services are provided in the home or community to offer timely, accessible support during a crisis. In addition to crisis assessment, the program provides ongoing treatment and intervention to help maintain family stability until appropriate long-term services can be secured. 

Job Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Crisis Response Counselor:

• Provides mobile crisis response and thorough, strength-based assessment of youth and families during crises in their natural environments
• Utilizes crisis respite homes when appropriate
• Provides ongoing treatment and intervention to support the youth/family until appropriate services are secured
• Works well with others in a highly supervised atmosphere
• Collaborates with adult crisis teams and community consumers
• Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development and quarterly booster training sessions to enhance clinical skills
• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information: 

• Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Salary:

$52,000 – $60,000 / year based on education and clinical license

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a social services discipline or currently enrolled in an applicable graduate program (required)
  • Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
• Applicants who are provisionally licensed (LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT) or working towards licensure (strongly preferred)
• Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred)
• One year of clinical experience (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Additional Information

Benefits

Youth Villages Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
• 401(k)
• Time off:
• • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
  • 12 paid sick days per year
  • 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
• Growth & development through continuous training
• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

How to Apply

Apply on our website – https://youthvillages.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/youthvillagescareers/details/Crisis-Response-Counselor—Masters-Required_JR1674?locations=de3f4f8bc79a014230515715a9014c04

Details

• Date Posted: June 5, 2026
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Other
• Service Area: Children / Youth