Crisis Call Center Counselor - Full Time

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

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) OR Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with two (2) years of commensurate clinical training and experience.
Copy of NYS license to practice (LMSW or LMHC) and current registration required by date of hire.
Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: social work, mental health, counseling, sociology, or psychology with four (4) years of crisis intervention and crisis management experience.
A credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) with four (4) years of crisis intervention and crisis management experience.
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 referrals, 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 Outlook, Excel and Microsoft 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.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual - Spanish/English preferred.

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 texters who are in emotional distress.
Utilize resource guide 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, and substance use.
Respond to Text4Teen texter(s) during shift as needed.
Complete a partial or full shift report for the shift as needed.
Adhere to policies and procedures for the program.
Accurately and efficiently document crisis center calls.
Ensures HIPAA laws and MHA confidentiality policies are followed.