Alternate Response Team Crisis Counselor

City of High Point • High Point, NC

6d • $25 - $34 • Hybrid

About The Position

The High Point Police Department is seeking an experienced crisis counselor to provide evidenced-based behavioral health and substance use interventions to individuals identified by City of High Point first responders and other city employees. Responsibilities will include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls with police officers to engage clients experiencing mental/behavioral health crises, meeting clients in the community, assessing clients for safety, determining the appropriate level of care, and providing clinical or non-clinical treatment. The Crisis Counselor will provide services in real-time with the support of the High Point Police Department. This role works closely with multiple departments and community members on special projects, programs, and referrals. Work also involves a follow-up component to connect identified individuals with available community resources. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Community Division Commander.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in mental health counseling, social work or human related fields. OR Bachelor’s degree in human service-related fields with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Crisis intervention training with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of principles, practices, and various techniques / best practices for mental health, trauma and child abuse / neglect intervention, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, clinical social work, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations.
• Substantial knowledge regarding motivational interviewing and engagement techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders).
• Ability to assess clients and the environment to make safe clinical judgments.
• Motivation to work with clients in crisis that may have high acuity, aggressive and/or offensive behaviors.
• Strong assessment and counseling skills.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Time management, organizational, and networking skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedule.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• LMHC, LCSW preferred but not required.
• Experience in crisis response / emergency services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referral requests from the police department or other designated partners.
• Respond within 30 minutes to calls for service where an alternate response team is requested.
• Determine the type of response needed including field-based crisis intervention, phone counseling, information, follow-up, and/or referral.
• Engage with clients to develop rapport and gain cooperation for the completion of assessments.
• Conduct clinical assessments to determine the appropriate safety plan and level of service referral interventions needed by collecting information from clients, providers, supports, and advocates.
• Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions as indicated on the assessment (clinical or non-clinical).
• Conduct limited case management services for high service utilizers as directed by the Lead Clinician.
• Establish and maintain healthy work relationships with community partners and resources.
• Participate in an after-hours on-call schedule.
• Provide accurate documentation within allocated time frames.
• Operate standard office equipment including calculator, copier, personal computer, printer, and related software.
• Enter and edit data in databases, spreadsheets or word processing software as needed.
• Utilizes specialized software to ensure HIPAA compliance and maintain case management notes.
• Work outside the office and within the community as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A guaranteed monthly pension upon retirement, vested after 5 years of service
• 401K and 457B Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Plan
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one
• vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level