Part-Time Crisis Call Center Counselor - Saturday and/or Sunday 3pm-11pm

Mental Health Association in Orange County, NY•Goshen, NY

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Crisis Call Center Supervisor, the Crisis Call Center Counselor will answer all crisis center calls and texts during their assigned shifts. This is an ideal position for individuals who are interested in helping others and making a contribution to their community. A Counselor provides crisis intervention, practical assistance, suicide prevention, information and referral, brief supportive counseling, and follow up services to individuals who contact the Orange County Crisis Call Center. Counselor will interact with callers by telephone and text messaging. The position provides an opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical skills, and knowledge of the expanding field of behavioral health. Perform duties while actively promoting an environment consistent with MHA’s Cultural Equity Policy and WELCOME Orange.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: social work, mental health, counseling, sociology, or psychology OR A credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)
Bilingual - Spanish/English preferred.
Courteous, empathic, and professional manner.
Ability to work efficiently in a team setting, with collaborative partners in a high-paced environment.
Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Strength-Based approaches.
Knowledge of human service resources, that include, but are not limited to: mental health, substance use, physical disabilities, physical health and developmental disability resources in Orange County, New York.
Experience with the practice of completing assessments, crisis management and interventions.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to maintain professional demeanor when handling crisis and ventilation contacts.
Ability to exercise sound judgment under crisis situations and to abide by regulations regarding confidentiality.
Efficiency with information-gathering, problem solving, and conflict-resolution.
Ability to adapt and be flexible to changes in protocol and program needs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word required.
Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive with current driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage.
Valid copies of personal auto-insurance, car inspection and registration required.
Must be clear and maintain an acceptable record under the Office of Mental Health (OMH) mandated criminal background check process.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual - Spanish/English

Responsibilities

Answer crisis calls while maintaining clinical service levels.
Provide evidence-informed information and referral, brief supportive counseling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention support to callers and/or text visitors who are in emotional distress.
Utilize resource referral database to provide information and referral assistance to callers seeking, but not limited to: mental health services, substance use services, sexual assault, veteran services, domestic violence, physical disabilities, physical health, and/or developmental disabilities.
Advocate for relevant resources, as well as locating and updating the Crisis Call Center resource guide.
Provide follow-up to high-risk callers reporting suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts, substance use and behaviors.
Respond to Text4Teen texter(s) during shift.
Complete a partial or full shift report for the shift as needed.
Gather data and complete various data trackers during shift.
Adhere to policies and procedures for the program.
Accurately and efficiently document crisis center calls.
Ensures HIPAA laws and MHA confidentiality policies are followed.