Crisis Call Center Counselor

Title:  Crisis Call Center Counselor – PT / Per Diem

Reports to: Crisis Call Center Supervisor/CCC Program Manager 

Job Objectives: Under the direction of the Crisis Call Center  Supervisor, Crisis  

Call Center Counselor will answer all crisis center calls and texts during their assigned shifts.

This is an ideal position for individuals who are interested in helping others and making a contribution to their community. A Counselor provides crisis intervention, practical assistance, suicide prevention, information and referral, brief supportive counseling, and follow up services to individuals who contact the Orange County Crisis Call Center. Counselor will interact with callers by telephone and text messaging. The position provides an opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical skills, and knowledge of the expanding field of behavioral health.

Perform duties while actively promoting an environment consistent with MHA's Cultural Equity Policy and WELCOME Orange.

All regular counselors will receive $24.00 an hour.

All Clinical counselors will receive $29.00 an hour upon completion of Call  

Center training. 

Responsibilities:

• Answer  crisis calls while maintaining clinical service levels.
• Provide evidence-informed information and referral, brief supportive counseling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention support to callers and/or text  visitors who are in emotional distress.
• Utilize resource referral database to provide information and referral assistance  to callers seeking, but not limited to: mental health services, substance use services, sexual assault, veteran services, domestic violence, physical disabilities, physical health, and/or developmental disabilities.
• Advocate for relevant resources, as well as locating and updating the Crisis Call Center resource guide.
• Provide follow-up to high-risk callers reporting suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts, substance use and behaviors.
• Respond to Text4Teen texter(s) during shift. 
• Complete a shift report for the shift.
• Gather data and complete various data trackers during shift.
• Adhere to policies and procedures for the program.
• Accurately and efficiently document crisis center calls.
• Ensures HIPAA laws and MHA confidentiality policies are followed.

Other Duties:

• Duties outlined above are intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or      change the duties at any time. More importantly, duties are subject to change based upon the final design/model of the Orange County Crisis Call Center.

Requirements

    Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in any of the following: social work, mental health, counseling, sociology,      or psychology OR A credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor      (CASAC)
• Bilingual- Spanish/English preferred.
• Courteous, empathic, and professional manner.
• Ability to work efficiently in a team setting, with collaborative partners in a high-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Strength-Based approaches.
• Knowledge of human service resources, that include, but are not limited to: mental health, substance use, physical disabilities, physical health and developmental disability resources in Orange County, New York.
• Experience with the practice of completing assessments, crisis management and interventions.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor when handling crisis and ventilation contacts.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment under crisis situations and to abide by regulations regarding confidentiality.
• Efficiency with information-gathering, problem solving, and conflict-resolution.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to changes in protocol and program needs.
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word required.
• Experience with Electronic Health Record Program(s) required (preferably Foothold Technology).
• Valid Driver's License and ability to drive with current driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage.
• Valid copies of personal auto-insurance, car inspection and registration required.

Terms of employment/benefits:

• Non-Exempt.
• Part- time consist of 1 weekend shift minimum 5 hours each weekend.  
• Per-diem must provide a minimum of 4 weekend shifts per month.
• The schedule may require irregular work hours due to the nature of operating  24 hours/7 days a week Crisis Call Center and it is expected that you will work the holiday if it falls on your assigned shift.

  Locations: Emergency Service Center in Goshen (22 Wells Farm Road, Goshen, NY) and Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. in Middletown (73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY).

• Paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave according to MHA policy, may vary according to position.
• 6 weeks of mandatory introductory Crisis Call Center training required.

Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA), is a private, not-for-profit organization seeking to promote the mental health and emotional well-being of Orange County residents.  Under the leadership of a voluntary Board of Directors, MHA's staff members, consultants and volunteers provide free mental health and safety net services to Orange County residents each year.

Why is working for MHA in Orange County so rewarding?

Working with our program participants provides opportunities to give others life changing support.  MHA's staff are trained to offer compassion, inspire hope and teach the skills needed to overcome challenges. There are numerous opportunities extended for staff development and career growth. Diverse employment opportunities include full-time, part-time, per diem and temporary positions. Licensed clinicians and bilingual staff are particularly sought.  As an agency that provides 24/7 services, numerous shifts are also available at competitive compensation rates.

Come join our team and make a difference

If you are seeking a stable and meaningful career, Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. is your agency