Senior Crisis Counselor
Job Summary
The Senior Crisis Counselor provides advanced clinical assessment, crisis intervention, and leadership support within the Mobile Response Stabilization Services program. They lead the clinical component of the mobile crisis response, serve as an informal clinical resource, and support workforce development activities.
Core Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive safety assessments, mental status evaluations, and risk assessments for individuals presenting in mental health or substance use crisis, including on complex or high-acuity encounters.
Determine the appropriate level of care and clinical disposition in accordance with program protocols and clinical standards.
Develop, reinforce, or update safety plans and service plans collaboratively with the individual and involved supports.
Apply advanced evidence-based crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate acute psychiatric distress.
Provide clinical consultation to Crisis Counselors on complex or uncertain presentations.
Coordinate with emergency services, hospitals, law enforcement, and community providers as clinically indicated.
Support onboarding and orientation activities for new Crisis Counselors.
Serve as an informal clinical mentor, providing guidance on complex cases, documentation, and professional practice.
Affiliate with training initiatives and workforce development activities as directed by supervisory staff.
Contribute to organizational learning through participation in team meetings, clinical roundtables, and knowledge-sharing activities.
Link individuals to appropriate behavioral health, substance use, medical, social service, housing, and community-based resources.
Facilitate warm handoffs to treatment providers, hospitals, and community partners.
Collaborate with Post-Crisis Care Specialists to ensure continuity of care following the acute encounter.
Coordinate with referral partners, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations as appropriate.
Maintain assigned direct service expectations and productivity standards established by the organization.
Participate in all assigned shifts, crisis response deployments, and follow-up activities as scheduled.
Complete all required clinical documentation within established timelines and in accordance with agency, grant, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
Maintain all required clinical credentials, licensure, and QMHP status.
Adhere to all IDHS, HFS, CESSA, CARF, CCBHC, DBHR, organizational, and program-specific requirements.
Participate in supervision, multidisciplinary staffing, and quality improvement activities.
Qualifications
Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related clinical field required.
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) status required.
Licensed or actively pursuing clinical licensure in the state of Illinois; LCSW or LCPC preferred.
Minimum of two years of experience in crisis intervention, community mental health, or emergency behavioral health services required.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-acuity, or specialized crisis presentations.
CRSS certification not required; expected to work collaboratively with and support the integration of peer services.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented service approaches.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends consistent with program operational needs.
Reliable transportation and valid driver's license required.
Ability to work effectively in community settings and respond to mobile crisis calls across designated service areas.
Benefits
FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees.
PAID Maternity/Paternity leave.
Medical Insurance (BCBS of IL).
Dental Insurance.
Vision Insurance.
Life Insurance.
Long-Term & Short-Term Disability.
Pet Insurance.
FSA (Health, Dependent Care, Transit).
Telemedicine.
EAP.
403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match.