Crisis Counselor

Location: UF Health Flagler Hospital, 400 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, Florida 32086

About the role

Join UF Health and be part of a team committed to exceptional patient care, innovation, and community impact. We are currently seeking a passionate individual who is eager to make a difference in a dynamic healthcare environment. The Crisis Counselor provides direct support to patients through evaluation, assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, individual therapy, discharge planning, and community referrals.

Responsibilities

• Prepares intake screening interviews and psychosocial assessments and diagnostic formulations for use in treatment and discharge planning, and Level of Care (LOC) considerations.
• Confers with members of the professional clinical staff throughout all patient treatment processes.
• Maintains all records and documentation according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Evaluates and responds to any urgent crisis of patient and/or their families. Assesses needs for care, provides direct crisis counseling, and takes immediate steps to stabilize clients in acute distress.
• Provides consultation to attending psychiatrists and Emergency Department physicians within the scope of their practice and expertise in areas including mental health, addiction and suicide assessments, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and disposition planning.
• Facilitates referrals needed, such as admission to the Mental Health Unit, referral for detoxification services, and all other follow-up care. Makes contact with referral sources and provides any needed information to ensure the best outcome for the patient.
• Completes utilization reviews by providing all relevant clinical information to insurance companies for pre-certification of hospitalization.
• Provides patients and families with education, comfort, and relevant information in accordance with their care as needed within the facility and throughout the community.
• Compiles a referral source database, including ALF, nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, homeless shelters, etc., to provide the least restrictive, appropriate placement.
• Responds to all Code Gray calls throughout the hospital (participates as a member of the code gray response team). Evaluates and responds to all mental health social work consult orders entered by medical staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM V), established standards of professional and ethical practice, and hospital and departmental policy and procedures.
• Demonstrates expertise in the Florida Mental Health Act - FS 394 ("The Baker Act"), possesses a thorough understanding of its application, and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Completes annual Baker Act training.
• Demonstrates an advanced level of psychosocial and addiction/recovery assessments and intervention services, including individual, group, and family therapies.
• All other duties as assigned by the department.

Requirements

• Florida license in Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Mental Health Counseling or Florida license in Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern or Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification provided by the American Heart Association (AHA), required within 30 days of employment.
• Completion of WELLE training (Non-Abusive Psychological & Physical Intervention) within 90 days of employment; annual re-certification required thereafter.
• This position requires a Level 2 background screening.

Qualifications

• Education/Training: Social Work, Mental Health/Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage & Family Therapy.
• Experience Requirements: 0–1 year in Social Work/Counseling.
• Preferences: Mental health care experience, experience facilitating therapeutic groups, individual therapies, recreational activities, and crisis intervention.

Schedule

Varies (PRN position)