Crisis Counselor, Adult (Nashville, TN)

Job Summary

Provide face-to-face and telephone crisis intervention services in the least restrictive manner to people experiencing a mental health emergency.

Responsibilities

• Conduct crisis assessment and crisis intervention services to appropriately address the needs of consumers experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
• Respond to crisis calls for assessment and intervention in the walk-in center, community, ERs, schools, etc.
• Clinically assess for the least restrictive alternative to meet the needs of consumers experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
• When hospitalization is necessary, make appropriate referrals to facilities equipped to meet needs of the consumers.
• Make appropriate referrals to Diversion Services to ensure they have necessary clinical information.
• Actively participate in consult process with supervisory staff when dispositioning cares.
• Provide follow-up services as indicated in the policies and procedures and as set forth in Title 33.
• Develop individualized plans to meet needs of consumers in crisis.
• Respond to requests for face-to-face assessment in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate customer service skills at all times.
• Assist Triage Counselors in answering and dispositioning incoming calls as needed.
• Provide telephone counseling when needed.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and complete documentation within departmental guidelines.
• Coordinate services as needed with care management teams and provide consultation as needed with care management teams.
• Assist community agencies with information and/or dispositions.
• Educate community agencies as needed on crisis services as directed by supervisory staff.
• Assist teammates as needed.

Skills & Experience

• A mental health professional with specialized training in crisis intervention
• Master's degree in a related field (counseling, psychology or social work)
• Licensed or License Eligible

Requirements

• Valid Tennessee Driver's License
• Acceptable Criminal Background Investigation and Satisfactory Drug Screen Report
• Personal Automobile Insurance
• Position requires the candidate to have a personal vehicle; candidate must be able to respond to crisis calls for assessment and intervention in the walk-in center, within the community, ERs, schools, etc.
• Cell Phone

Core Competencies

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates the ability to work independently to make critical decisions and to work collaboratively as an integral part of a team (crisis team and agency wide team).
• Assists teammates when needed.
• Has the ability to initiate, develop and maintain effective working relationships with Consumers, families, law enforcement and other referral sources.
• Understands and is able to use conflict resolution and negotiation skills in order to defuse difficult situations.
• Demonstrates professionalism and empathy with Consumers and referral sources.

Assessment and Intervention Skills

• Ability to evaluate risk factors and potential risk factors during assessments.
• Ability to thoroughly and accurately explain and document assessment and recommended interventions/dispositions.
• Solid working knowledge of the DSM diagnostic guidelines.

Recovery Focused

• Utilizes less restrictive alternatives appropriately to address Consumer needs.
• Ability to identify and utilize Consumers natural supports when available.
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources and ability to link individuals to appropriate resource.

Customer Service

• Internal & external customer service indicative of mutual respect & trust