Crisis Intervention Counselor

About Us

WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region’s largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions.

WellSpan York Hospital, the largest of WellSpan’s eight hospitals, is a 596-bed acute care community teaching hospital that employs nearly 5,000 people, making WellSpan the largest employer in York County. It serves a diverse population of more than 520,000 residents from the greater York County area. The hospital offers services and programs featuring highly skilled clinical staff, life-saving technology, and state-of-the-art facilities to address complex medical, surgical, and behavioral health conditions. WellSpan York Hospital’s Regional Resource/Level 1 Trauma Center is accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation and is the only accredited trauma center in York, Adams, and Franklin counties. It is a nationally recognized teaching hospital with nine residency programs, six allied health schools, and other training programs.

About The Team

WellSpan York Hospital is embarking on a significant five-year project. The centerpiece will be a new, eight-story surgical and critical care tower, dramatically expanding the hospital’s intensive care unit and developing new state-of-the-art surgical suites, making it one of the top 10 largest hospitals in Pennsylvania with approximately 600 beds.

Schedule

Full-time, evenings (80 hours per 2-week pay period). Includes every-other-weekend and rotating holidays.

Responsibilities

• Responds promptly and appropriately to all calls.
• Assesses patient’s immediate needs and stabilizes patient using established crisis intervention techniques.
• Utilizes suicide precaution checklist as appropriate.
• Refers to appropriate agency or service and follows up on patient condition as outlined in policy.
• Responds to emergency mental health problems in the community and applies established guidelines of the Mental Health Act.
• Discharges responsibilities of a Mental Health Delegate (including attending hearings as necessary).
• Facilitates admission to a psychiatric facility.
• Maintains PCPC certification and other BDAP required annual training.
• Remains knowledgeable of all licensed county D&A services, arranges detox services as needed, and provides intake for county D&A funded services.
• Utilizes knowledge of community services, provides information to inquiries, and remains updated on available community resources.
• Assesses the emergency of the need and arranges provision of need following policies and procedures.
• Notifies CAP or LCCM of authorized provisions following policies and procedures.
• Follows policies and procedures regarding Intensive Case Management and Family Focus patients.
• Fosters cooperation between crisis counselors and MH/MR case managers, including follow-up calls regarding contact with their patients.
• Remains aware of mandated reporter status regarding child abuse and utilizes Childline as appropriate.
• Fosters cooperation between crisis counselors and C&Y case managers.
• Reports suspected Elder Abuse situations to AAA and fosters cooperation between crisis counselors and AAA case managers.
• Documents according to department policy, including:
  • Psychosocial assessment
  • Additional patient information as required
  • Referral or resolution
  • Follow-up telephone contact
• Completes and submits required forms within established time-frame.
• Enters patient information (in computer system) promptly.
• Replenishes office supplies as needed.
• Completes assignments promptly and secures records to protect confidentiality.
• Stays current on all safety requirements (including required training).
• Participates in the Performance Improvement Plan (including assigned duties).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field of study).
• 2 years of mental health or crisis intervention experience with an unrelated bachelor’s degree.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in the current state of residence. Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management.

Skills

• Excellent human relations and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to provide counsel.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Visual ability to observe patient behavior and prepare documentation and written materials.
• Physical ability to assist patients.
• Ability to work under stress and stamina to work for long time spans.
• Knowledge of and ability in the care and handling of patients in a specific age group.
• Knowledge of basic Emergency Room treatment procedures, psychological medications, human behavior, treatment modalities of Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol clients, CASSP Principles, human service agencies and their functions, and a thorough understanding of the Mental Health Law.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Education assistance.
• Financial education and support, including DailyPay.
• Expanded Paid Parental Leave.