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 Gettysburg Hospital, celebrating over 100 years of community care, is a nationally recognized acute care community hospital serving more than 100,000 residents from the greater Adams County and northern Maryland area. The hospital offers services including neurosciences, orthopedics, oncology and infusion, OB/GYN, and interventional heart and vascular care.

About the Role

Full-time position with a schedule of 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, including every other weekend (80 hours per two-week pay period). The role involves working independently to meet client needs, assessing crisis situations, providing stabilization at the client’s location, resolving crises, and making appropriate referrals following established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and appropriately to all calls.
• Assess patient’s immediate needs and stabilize using established crisis intervention techniques.
• Utilize suicide precaution checklist as appropriate.
• Refer to appropriate agency or service and follow up on patient condition as outlined in policy.
• Respond to emergency mental health problems in the community and apply established guidelines of the Mental Health Act.
• Discharge responsibilities of a Mental Health Delegate, including attending hearings as necessary.
• Facilitate admission to a psychiatric facility.
• Maintain PCPC certification and other BDAP-required annual training.
• Remain knowledgeable of all licensed county D&A services and arrange detox services as needed.
• Provide intake for county D&A-funded services and utilize knowledge of community services.
• Provide information to inquiries and remain updated on available community resources.
• Assess the urgency of needs and arrange provision following policies and procedures.
• Notify CAP or LCCM of authorized provisions following policies and procedures.
• Follow policies and procedures regarding Intensive Case Management and Family Focus patients.
• Foster cooperation between crisis counselors and MH/MR, C&Y, and AAA case managers.
• Remain aware of mandated reporter status regarding child abuse and utilize Childline as appropriate.
• Report suspected Elder Abuse situations to AAA.
• Document according to department policy, including:
  • Psychosocial assessment
  • Additional patient information as required
  • Referral or resolution
  • Follow-up telephone contact
• Complete and submit required forms within the established timeframe.
• Enter patient information into the computer system promptly.
• Replenish office supplies as needed.
• Complete assignments promptly and secure records to protect confidentiality.
• Stay current on all safety requirements, including required training.
• Participate in the Performance Improvement Plan, including assigned duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field).
• 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 and strong organizational abilities.
• Analytical skills and visual ability to observe patient behavior.
• Physical ability to assist patients and work under stress.
• 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, and human service agencies and their functions.
• 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.

Schedule

Full-time, evenings (3:00 PM to 11:00 PM), including every other weekend (80 hours per two-week pay period).