Crisis Counselor, Adult (Nashville, TN)

Mental Health Cooperative•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Mental Health Cooperative seeks an adult Crisis Counselor to provide face-to-face and telephone crisis intervention in the least restrictive manner for people experiencing a mental health emergency. The role includes assessing needs and risk, recommending appropriate interventions and dispositions, connecting consumers with resources, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation. The position is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and requires a personal vehicle to respond to crisis calls at locations such as the walk-in center, community sites, emergency rooms, and schools. The schedule is 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The counselor works independently and collaboratively with crisis and agency teams, consumers and families, law enforcement, referral sources, and community agencies. A related master’s degree and licensure or eligibility for licensure are required.

Requirements

Specialized training in crisis intervention as a mental health professional.
Master’s degree in a related field, such as counseling, psychology, or social work.
Licensed or license eligible.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license.
Acceptable criminal background investigation and satisfactory drug screen report.
Personal automobile insurance.
Personal vehicle and ability to respond to crisis calls at the walk-in center and other community locations.
Cell phone.
Ability to work independently, make critical decisions, and collaborate as part of a team.
Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, families, law enforcement, and referral sources.
Ability to evaluate risk factors during assessments and explain and document assessments and recommended interventions or dispositions thoroughly and accurately.
Working knowledge of DSM diagnostic guidelines.
Knowledge of community resources and ability to link individuals to appropriate resources.
Occasionally stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle objects or controls, reach, talk, and hear; occasionally lift or move up to 15 pounds.
Vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Conduct crisis assessments and provide crisis intervention for consumers experiencing psychiatric emergencies.
Respond to crisis calls for assessment and intervention at the walk-in center, in the community, emergency rooms, schools, and other locations.
Assess for the least restrictive alternative to meet consumers’ needs.
Refer consumers to appropriate facilities when hospitalization is necessary.
Provide Diversion Services with appropriate clinical information.
Participate in consultation with supervisory staff when determining care dispositions.
Provide follow-up services as indicated by policies, procedures, and Title 33.
Develop individualized plans to meet the needs of consumers in crisis.
Respond to requests for face-to-face assessments in a timely manner.
Maintain appropriate customer service skills.
Assist Triage Counselors with incoming calls and their disposition as needed.
Provide telephone counseling when needed.
Maintain accurate clinical records and complete documentation within departmental guidelines.
Coordinate services and provide consultation with care management teams as needed.
Provide community agencies with information or dispositions and educate them about crisis services as directed by supervisory staff.
Assist teammates as needed.
Use conflict-resolution and negotiation skills to defuse difficult situations.
Identify and use consumers’ natural supports when available, and connect individuals with appropriate community resources.