Crisis Counselor - Eh - Acute Pes

Sutter County Human Resources•Yuba City, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, develops therapeutic interventions, treatment recommendations, dispositions and referral services to groups or individuals with acute, severe or chronic problems related to emotional or mental crisis or substance abuse for the Human Services Department. This position is within our Acute Psych Department. The program operates 24 hours a day and is currently seeking staff specifically for the NOC and PM shifts. The current vacancy is for an Extra Help position. Looking for high performing professionals with excellent verbal and written communication skills who maintain poise in the midst of evaluating and assisting persons in acute psychiatric emergency; ability to apply interventions to reduce risk and promote safety. Seeking candidates who have a basic understanding of Welfare and Institutions Code 5150; have knowledge, education and experience related to behavioral health, substance use and psychiatric emergency services; are personable, resilient, possess quick mental reflexes and have the potential to learn and grow professionally working within the framework of an award-winning, multidisciplinary team of professionals. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill any future opening(s), including Part-Time and Extra Help, in this class for up to six months.

Requirements

Methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling
Crisis intervention principles, methods and techniques
Available community resources and sources of referral
Effects of alcohol and drugs
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders
Laws and regulations affecting the detention, counseling or referral of clients
Methods and types of short term coping skills
Principles and practices of supporting individuals in crisis or dangerous situations
Assess and evaluate withdrawn, agitated, upset or threatening individuals
Develop and implement specialized individual plans for clients
Maintain confidentiality of patient/client information
Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with clients, the general public and personnel at all organizational levels
Work as a team member
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Maintain accurate records
Work variable hours including holidays and weekends
Maintain accurate records of client activity and progress
Utilize various software programs relevant to the position
Training and experience equivalent to completion of core college course work from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology or a closely related field and one year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Ability to maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances
Think and act quickly in emergencies
Effectively deal with personal danger
Requires the ability to exert physical effort in an emergency as well as sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another
Ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception required for making observation and judgment regarding client behavior
Ability to hear and communicate orally
Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, data entry or use of other office equipment or supplies
Involves VDT exposure
Ability to operate a motor vehicle

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of Welfare and Institutions Code 5150
Knowledge, education and experience related to behavioral health, substance use and psychiatric emergency services
Personable, resilient, possess quick mental reflexes and have the potential to learn and grow professionally working within the framework of an award-winning, multidisciplinary team of professionals.

Responsibilities

Evaluates and assesses individuals with acute/severe problems related to substance abuse, mental or emotional problems; clients may be suicidal, depressed, psychotic and/or potentially violent.
Develops and implements specialized individual plans for clients to assist in identifying, minimizing or resolving problems and to ensure safety.
Counsels and advises individuals, in person and by telephone, who are experiencing acute emotional or mental crisis.
Evaluates clients placed on 72-hour hold and makes recommendations to the medical staff regarding release or detainment.
Makes client referrals to community agencies; determines whether individuals meet involuntary detention standards; may place clients on 72-hour hold documenting and following the specific Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 criteria.
Consults with mental health and other medical professionals, supervisors, and other staff regarding the status and disposition of clients.
Works with client's family to assist them in understanding and dealing with the client's problems.
Monitors individual behavior and progress to ensure the disposition and referrals are appropriate; reports and documents observations of client behavior and progress.
Develops lines of communication between the County and the community by explaining programs; provides information and advice to law enforcement agencies, community organizations and the general public.
Attends meetings, seminars and training sessions as required.
Maintains various data used in the generation of reports; utilizes a computer to enter, store, and retrieve data; compiles and produces narrative reports; composes routine correspondence; disseminates information to others; reviews data to ensure accuracy; forwards data to applicable personnel.
Provides transportation for clients to outside facilities as needed.
Answers the telephone, provides information, takes messages, and/or directs calls as appropriate.
Assists in training other staff members as assigned.