Mobile Crisis Counselor, Marcus Alert

Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board • Hampton, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Mobile Crisis Counselor - Marcus Alert provides rapid, clinically sound crisis response for behavioral health, substance use, and homelessness-related calls routed through 911 or the Regional Crisis Call Center (988). This role exists to deliver timely assessment, stabilization, and linkage to care in coordination with community partners. You begin by checking in with dispatch pathways and reviewing any updates to Marcus Alert protocols, then stage with your co-response partner as calls come in. Much of the shift is spent moving between community locations-meeting individuals where they are, de-escalating in real time, and aligning next steps with the Regional Crisis Call Center and receiving facilities. Between field contacts, you document clearly and promptly, complete follow-up outreach by phone or in person, and coordinate handoffs so care continues after the immediate crisis. You'll also have periodic touchpoints with clinical leadership to review challenging situations, refine decision-making, and support consistent, safe practice across partners. Shifts vary, but the focus remains the same: timely stabilization and effective linkage to the right level of care.

Requirements

• Master's degree in human services plus 1 year in a psychiatric care setting
• Board of Counseling registration as QMHP (or QMHP-trainee within 30 days)
• Completion of pre-admission screener certification modules within 30 days of hire
• Strong knowledge of crisis intervention, human/patient rights, confidentiality, consent, DSM-5 conditions, psychotropic medications, and involuntary admission procedures
• Must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.

Responsibilities

• Co-responding in the community with first responders
• Completing preliminary mental status and risk assessments
• Coordinating referrals, admissions, and assists with transportation to appropriate services (e.g., CSU, inpatient, detox, shelters)
• Supporting ECO/TDO processes with required documentation
• Maintaining accurate client records
• Consulting with clinical staff on complex presentations
• Documenting clearly and promptly
• Completing follow-up outreach by phone or in person
• Coordinating handoffs so care continues after the immediate crisis

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level