The mental health counselor is responsible for providing on-site crisis intervention, assessments under supervision and short-term crisis intervention to adults in crisis or emergency mental health situations. The position assists individuals in crisis resolution and returning to previous or better level of functioning prior to discharge.

•  Participates as member of residential crisis stabilization team, maintaining effective   inter and intra-agency working relationships.


•  Provides short term crisis intervention services in a residential program including intake, assessment, psychiatric, substance and suicidality monitoring, group and individual work, linkage and follow up services.


• Demonstrate a positive regard for individuals and their families (e.g. from a trauma informed perspective provides treatment collaboratively with consumers respecting them as individuals, allowing risk-taking, avoiding stereotypes, respecting individuals' and families' privacy, advocacy, believing in an individual's recovery and that they are a valuable member of society).


• Demonstrate sound clinical skills including those associated with advanced communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals with mental health and/or substance use/intellectual disability experiencing a psychiatric crisis.


• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals with TDO/NGRI/Other Court mandated status.


• Develop essential therapeutic relationships that foster independence and supports recovery and the change dynamic.


• Conduct intake assessments under supervision of licensed individual.


• Assess consumer strengths, needs and support systems to quickly resolve crisis and facilitate the development and implementation of individual service plan and discharge plan.


• Coordinate the provision of crisis stabilization services and discharge plan collaboratively with the individual, case manager/therapist, discharge planner, family as appropriate, and others involved with the individual. Assist individuals in accessing/utilizing community resources to resolve crisis and return to normal. or improved functioning.


• Develop and conduct psycho-educational, recovery, social skills and other groups for individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use/intellectual disability.


• Counsel individuals to define problems; identify and apply problem solving skills; develop appropriate interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.


• Provide education and support to individuals, their families, and/or significant others involved in their care through individual meetings and/or groups.


•  Provide specialized assistance for individuals in need with activities of daily living (bathing, toileting, dressing, etc.)


• Complete all documentation effectively, thoroughly, and in a timely manner. Maintain clinical and financial documentation in compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.


• Assume administrative responsibilities as assigned by mental health director or program manager.


• Work independently, performing position duties under general supervision.


• Responsible for ensuring property management including: housekeeping chores; reporting needed repairs of facility/appliances/ utilities; and routine vehicle maintenance.


• Follows all policies including maintaining a safe and secure environment.


• Responsible for professional development, e.g., attends professional trainings and seminars related to work in the mental health field, substance use, intellectual disability and court mandated status/TDO.

 Other Job Functions:

•       Communicates effectively and clearly to all staff


•       Maintains professional conduct and appearance


•       Attends and participates in scheduled team meetings and trainings


•       Promotes continuous quality improvement and professional empowerment


•        Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor