Crisis Counselor, 1st Shift (Full Time)

Kenosha Human Development Services, INC.

• 3536 52nd Street Kenosha, WI 53144
• Division/Department: Crisis and Stabilization Services
• Location: Crisis Prevention Center
• Job Title: Crisis Counselor
• Reports To: Crisis Program Manager
• Type of Position: Full-time
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Schedule: 40 hours per week or as demanded by the position (In-Person) Pay Range: $21.20 to $23.32 per hour

Position Summary

The Crisis Counselor provides walk-in, telephone and mobile interventions to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. This position also provides the client linkage and follow-up to community resources.

Responsibilities

1. Crisis intervention for Kenosha County: a. Respond in timely manner to caller; prioritize calls as necessary b. Determine need for phone or on-site intervention and respond accordingly c. Perform assessment and ascertain elements of crisis and degree of danger/urgency involved; obtain assistance as needed d.

Defuse immediate crisis reactions; collaborate with involved parties to develop safety plan, advocate as needed and facilitate outcome e. Provide supportive listening, feedback, information and referral f. Respond to local detention facilities for suicide assessment of targeted inmates

2. Refer/provide authorization for county-funded services as appropriate a. Consult with ER staff when voluntary placements need to be funded by Kenosha County

3. Assess/provide emergency psychiatric inpatient hospital authorization when deemed appropriate a. Assist law enforcement in determining the need for involuntary inpatient care b. Present alternatives when suitable i. e., safety planning c. Assess and assist in determining suitable placement for voluntary detox of substance addicted persons

4. Assess/refer/admit to KARE Center for crisis stabilization and/or to defer emergency hospital admissions a. May provide facilitating services (such as transportation) as needed

5. Respond to crime scenes as requested by Law Enforcement a. Assist police as requested and instructed b. Assist in defusing victims and witnesses c. Provide referrals/immediately needed services d. Create short term safety plans for victims and witnesses involved, facilitate as needed

6. Perform individual employee requirements for continuing education and clinical supervision as required for agency state certification a. Maintain accurate record of task completion

7. Perform other work as required by the Emergency Mental Health Services Supervisor

8. Promptly complete all required documentation for work as described above QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required.

• 1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 2. Ability to observe, interpret, assess, and document human behaviors
• 3. Ability to maintain active pace for up to an eight-hour shift
• 4. Professional attitude, strong work ethic, ability to work independently and to maintain solid, personal boundaries
• 5. Upon hire, must complete minimum of 40 hours training
• 6. Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally, in the English language
• 7. Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license with good driving record
• 8. Must carry own auto insurance with at least 100,000/300,000/100,000 coverage
• 9. Ability to maintain records and document case notes daily
• 10. Ability to give and accept feedback as a part of a team
• 11. Ability to traverse within the workspace and community frequently
• 12. Be willing to learn and work with the treatment philosophies
• 13. Bilingual in Spanish a plus

Kenosha Human Development Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or any other status protected under federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.