Part-Time Crisis Call Center Counselor - Saturday and/or Sunday 3pm-11pm

About the role

Under the direction of the Crisis Call Center Supervisor, the Call Center Counselor will answer all crisis center calls and texts during their assigned weekend evening shifts. This is an ideal position for individuals interested in helping others and contributing to their community. The Counselor provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information and referral, brief supportive counseling, and follow-up services to individuals contacting the Orange County Crisis Call Center via telephone and text messaging. The role offers an opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical skills and knowledge in behavioral health while promoting an environment consistent with MHA’s Cultural Equity Policy and WELCOME Orange.

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 in emotional distress.
• Utilize a resource referral database to provide information and referral assistance for mental health services, substance use services, sexual assault, veteran services, domestic violence, physical disabilities, physical health, developmental disabilities, and more.
• Advocate for relevant resources and assist in 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 texters during shift.
• Complete a partial or full shift report as needed and gather data to complete various data trackers during shift.
• Adhere to policies and procedures for the program and accurately document crisis center calls.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA laws and MHA confidentiality policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in 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, including mental health, substance use, physical disabilities, physical health, and developmental disability resources in Orange County, New York.
• Experience with 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 abide by confidentiality regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive with a current driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage.
• Valid copies of personal auto-insurance, car inspection, and registration required.
• Must pass and maintain an acceptable record under the Office of Mental Health (OMH) mandated criminal background check process.

Schedule

• Part-time, non-exempt position.
• Hiring for Saturday and/or Sunday, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM.
• Permanent set weekly schedule.
• May require irregular work hours due to the 24/7 nature of the Crisis Call Center; expected to work holidays if they fall on assigned shift.

Benefits

• 1 hour paid lunch for employees.
• Paid holidays, New York sick time, wellness time, and PTO according to MHA policy.
• 403(b) Plan with discretionary matching.
• Numerous opportunities for staff development and career growth.
• Diverse employment opportunities; licensed clinicians and bilingual staff are particularly sought.

Pay

$24.00 per hour.