Clinical Crisis Counselor

Salary: $41000 – $48000

Department: H2H Connect Contact Center/ LCCT

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor

Location: Remote

Schedule: Overnights, 35 hours/week 

*Overnight shifts receive an additional 10% differential pay rate added to their check.

*New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. 

Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health’s groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where, and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.

Position Objective: This is an ideal position for individuals who are interested in helping others and contributing to their community. Counselors provide evidence-informed crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information & referral, and brief supportive counseling to individuals who contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in emotional distress, particularly those at high risk for suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and behaviors. Counselors interact with clients through SMS text messaging, and/or web chat. The position provides an opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical skills, and knowledge of the expanding field of behavioral and tele-mental health. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide evidence-informed information and referral, brief supportive counseling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention support to callers and/or chat/text visitors who are in emotional distress.
• Conduct assessments in accordance with program policies & procedures.
• Utilize resource referral databases to provide information and referral assistance to callers seeking mental health and substance abuse services.
• Provide follow-up to high-risk callers reporting suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Participation in at least two Lifeline continuing education webinars per fiscal year.
• Manage interactions to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided in an efficient manner.
• Adhere to policies & procedures for each service offered by the program.
• Accurately and efficiently document client interactions.
• Meet or exceed established key performance indicator goals.
• Utilize SMS texting, and/or web chat to interact with clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Fluency in the English language both oral and written.
• Courteous, empathic and professional manner.
• Motivational interviewing.
• Active listening skills to establish working alliance with callers and/or chat/text visitors.
• Efficiency with information-gathering, and problem-solving to facilitate resolution of inquiries.
• Superior communication skills to convey information clearly, accurately and completely.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor when handling crises and other difficult contacts.
• Efficiency with balancing pace and flow of conversation and call time.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Psychology, or related field required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years experience working in behavioral health and/or call center.
• Experience working in behavioral health with call center experience strongly preferred.
• Must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a collegial group environment.
• Valid NYS clinical license and registration are welcome.
• Must be able to attend a 5-week training class without interruptions.

Physical Requirements:

• Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, residents, families, service providers and others.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under stress. 
• Ability to respond to telephones and other auditory stimulation. 
• Ability to evaluate/interpret information and make independent judgment/decisions.

Excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, pre-tax transit/parking, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available. 4 weeks’ vacation, plum benefits, etc.