Crisis Counselor, Project Impact

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

Project IMPACT is a 24/7 behavioral health crisis program collaborating with hospital emergency departments across the Chicagoland area. The program features crisis teams that work in a multidisciplinary environment to prioritize patient well-being and safety.

The full-time Crisis Counselor at Project IMPACT provides timely and effective support to individuals presenting to the emergency department who may be experiencing a mental health, behavioral health, or substance use crisis.

This role involves conducting comprehensive assessments, both onsite and via phone, to determine the most appropriate interventions.

The Crisis Counselor works closely with the multidisciplinary emergency department team to develop and implement safe and appropriate discharge plans and connect patients with community resources.

The Crisis Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care is provided to patients and families.

*This position complies with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, which requires that employees working in certain programs are fully vaccinated unless you have a medical or religious exemption. Routine COVID-19 Testing is required from the COVID-19 vaccination*

Benefits and Perks

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $22.92-$28.80/Hourly.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions

Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments with patients to determine the most appropriate interventions and discharge plans, prioritizing patient safety and well-being.

Develop familiarity with local resources to best serve the diverse needs of patients across various situations.

Ensure compliance with HIPAA and privacy standards while adhering to clinical guidelines and maintaining accurate documentation.

Operate within a multidisciplinary setting with effective communication between supervisory staff, collateral contacts and agencies, and other involved teams to support patient well-being and safety.

Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across patient and multidisciplinary interactions.

Position Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in mental or behavioral health-related field.

Licensure in mental or behavioral health field preferred but not required. Examples: LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, CADC, etc.

• At least one year of experience in the mental or behavioral health field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, flexible environment with broad patient presentations.
• Understanding of HIPAA/privacy and documentation standards.
• Ability to pass IM-CATS training and credentialing exam.
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Record systems preferred.
• Basic understanding of Medicaid/Medicare and other insurances preferred.

Other Requirements

• Adherence to ethical standards of practice and treatment.
• Proficiency in and completion of all required documentation in EHR system.
• Ability to provide and coordinate a wide scope of services between IMPACT and outpatient services with emphasis on continuity of care within the LSSI system where possible.
• Time management and organizational skills to adequately ensure the timely completion of tasks and assignments.
• Ability to operate proficiently within a team setting with emphasis on individual accountability for personal task completion and behavior.
• Completion and upkeep of required training standards.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.