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 to people experiencing a mental health emergency, using the least restrictive appropriate approach. The role responds to crisis calls and requests for timely face-to-face assessments at the walk-in center and in community settings, including emergency rooms and schools. The counselor assesses consumer needs and risks, develops individualized plans, determines appropriate interventions or dispositions, and makes referrals when hospitalization or diversion services are indicated. The counselor participates in supervisory consultations, provides follow-up services in accordance with policies and procedures and Title 33, maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation, and coordinates with care management teams and community agencies. The position also supports triage counselors, provides telephone counseling as needed, educates community agencies about crisis services, and assists teammates. The scheduled hours are 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday. The role requires a personal vehicle and the ability to respond to crisis calls at designated locations. The work environment is usually moderately noisy. Occasional physical activities include standing, walking, sitting, handling objects or controls, reaching, talking, hearing, and lifting or moving up to 15 pounds.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field, such as counseling, psychology, or social work.
Licensed or license eligible.
Specialized training in crisis intervention as a mental health professional.
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 in community settings, including emergency rooms and schools.
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.
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to defuse difficult situations.
Professionalism and empathy when working with consumers and referral sources.
Ability to evaluate risk factors and thoroughly explain and document assessments and recommended interventions or dispositions.
Solid working knowledge of DSM diagnostic guidelines.
Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect individuals with appropriate resources.
Customer service that reflects mutual respect and trust.

Responsibilities

Conduct crisis assessments and provide crisis intervention for consumers experiencing psychiatric emergencies.
Respond to crisis calls in the walk-in center and in community settings, including emergency rooms and schools.
Clinically assess and select the least restrictive appropriate alternative to meet consumer needs.
Make referrals to appropriate facilities when hospitalization is necessary.
Refer consumers to Diversion Services and provide the necessary clinical information.
Participate in supervisory consultations when determining case dispositions.
Provide follow-up services as indicated by policies and procedures and Title 33.
Develop individualized plans to meet the needs of consumers in crisis.
Respond in a timely manner to requests for face-to-face assessments.
Maintain appropriate customer service skills.
Assist triage counselors with incoming calls and dispositioning calls as needed.
Provide telephone counseling when needed.
Maintain accurate clinical records and complete documentation within departmental guidelines.
Coordinate services with care management teams and provide consultation as needed.
Assist community agencies with information and dispositions, and educate them about crisis services as directed by supervisory staff.
Assist teammates as needed.
Evaluate risk factors during assessments and explain and document assessments and recommended interventions or dispositions.
Use appropriate less restrictive alternatives, identify consumers’ natural supports when available, and link consumers to community resources.