JOB TITLE:      Crisis Response Team Counselor II                Pay:      DOE

PROGRAM:     Crisis Response Team                                     REPORTS TO:  CRT Manager

FACILITY:        CSU                                                                 CITY:   Bartow and Lakeland

JOB STATUS:  Full-time                                                           FLSA:  Non Exempt

Job Summary: 

Crisis Counselor provides 24/7 mental health crisis services in various settings for immediate crisis assessment, crisis intervention, and time-limited, crisis counseling to promote crisis resolution and evaluation to individuals in Polk and Hardee Counties who may be experiencing any type of emotional distress.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center’s Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
2. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
3. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
4. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
5. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
6. Ability to adhere to company and/or program’s dress code standards
7. Ability to report to work with good personal hygiene

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Answer crisis line telephones.
• Conduct crisis assessments/interventions which include assessment of co-existing issues.
• Facilitate shift briefings to next shift, as needed.
• Concisely and correctly complete clinical documentation and related paperwork in a timely and professional manner.
• Conduct follow-up assessments/contacts.
• Co-ordinates client transfer process through review of documentation, insurance verification, and liaison between CSU and other referring organizations.
• Maintain crisis line log, assessment log, and other documentation for statistical and outcome purposes as necessary.
• Assist in providing on-the-job training and professional enhancement training for new and current employees
• Contact companies to get managed care authorizations.
• Review of Baker Act certificates that come to the CSU.
• Provide on-call supervision and/or crisis services as required.
• Attend all scheduled work hours, meetings, trainings, and other center functions as appropriate.
• Assist with community presentations as needed.
• Ability to arrive to work and ready to work on time.
• Ability to abide by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group and/or team setting.
• Ability to show respect to all others.
• Ability to professionally communicate with other employees and outside vendors, as required.
• Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors

Qualifications:

Education:

Master’s degree in Human Services or related area preferred or Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years experience in Human Services or related field Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related area.

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in mental health or related field. (for Master's degree)
• Minimum of three (3) years experience in Human Services or related field. (for Bachelor's degree)
• Experience may include internship and/or volunteer services.

Certifications:

None

Training:

Complete all PRC required trainings.

Complete all contact hours required for certification renewal (if applicable)

Attend all PRC clinical and administrative functions deemed appropriate by supervisor

Knowledge and Skills:

            Good verbal and written communication skills.

            Appropriate telephone skills in crisis situation.

            Respond appropriately and quickly in stressful situations while maintaining self-control.

            Make competent independent decisions relating to recipient’s service needs.

            Prioritize work load and work independently.

Ability to conduct assessments and interventions, which includes assessment of substance abuse/co-occurring issues, mental health disorders, and family systems issues.

React to a quickly changing environment productively.

Additional Requirements:

• Complete specific training as required in FA 65-E5
• Approval of abuse registry and law enforcement check
• 20 hours professional enhancement training annually including all PRC required.

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

           Must have reliable transportation and be of age 21 or older

           Must provide, carry and maintain $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle

           Must have a FL driver’s license and clean driving record

OR-

            Department of Motor Vehicle report must meet Agency’s insurance carrier’s minimum qualifications

           Must have valid Florida driver’s license and produce an updated copy to Fleet department as expires

           Must be at least 25 years of age and must be able to pass the agency’s driving test

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

            Computer, telephone, fax, copier

            CRT vehicle

            Cell phone

Supervisory Relationship(s)

            None

Work Environment:

 Fast paced work environment.

The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to inside environmental conditions such as communicable diseases and physical/verbal abuse from an out of control patient/client.

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