Crisis Call Center Counselor - PT / Per Diem - Weekend Only

Description

Job Objectives:

Under the direction of the Crisis Call Center  Supervisor, Crisis Call Center Counselor will answer all crisis center calls and texts during their assigned shifts.  

This is an ideal position for individuals who are interested in helping others and making a contribution to their community. A Counselor provides crisis intervention, practical assistance, suicide prevention, information and referral, brief supportive counseling, and follow up services to individuals who contact the Orange County Crisis Call Center. Counselor will interact with callers by telephone and text messaging. The position provides an opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical skills, and knowledge of the expanding field of behavioral health.

Perform duties while actively promoting an environment consistent with MHA’s Cultural Equity Policy and WELCOME Orange.

* All regular counselors will receive $24.00 an hour.

* All Clinical counselors will receive $29.00 an hour unpon completion of Call Center training.  

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 who are in emotional distress.
• Utilize resource referral database to provide information and referral assistance to callers seeking, but not limited to: mental health services, substance use services, sexual assault, veteran services, domestic violence, physical disabilities, physical health, and/or developmental disabilities.
• Advocate for relevant resources, as well as 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 texter(s) during shift. 
• Complete a shift report for the shift.
• Gather data and complete various data trackers during shift.
• Adhere to policies and procedures for the program.
• Accurately and efficiently document crisis center calls.
• Ensures HIPAA laws and MHA confidentiality policies are followed.

Other Duties:

• Duties outlined above are intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time. More importantly, duties are subject to change based upon the final design/model of the Orange County Crisis Call Center.

Terms of employment/benefits:

• Non-Exempt.
• Part- time consist of 1 weekend shift minimum 5 hours each weekend.  
•  Per-diem must provide a minimum of 4 weekend shifts per month.
• The schedule may require irregular work hours due to the nature of operating 24 hours/7 days a week Crisis Call Center and it is expected that you will work the holiday if it falls on your assigned shift.
• Locations: Emergency Service Center in Goshen (22 Wells Farm Road, Goshen, NY) and Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. in Middletown (73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY).
• Paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave according to MHA policy.
• 40 hours of mandatory introductory Crisis Call Center training required.

Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA), is a private, not-for-profit organization seeking to promote the mental health and emotional well-being of Orange County residents.  Under the leadership of a voluntary Board of Directors, MHA’s staff members, consultants and volunteers provide free mental health and safety net services to Orange County residents each year.

Why work for MHA in Orange County?

MHA is an agency that understands that its workforce is vital to our community and the mission of our agency. Our many benefits include:

1) Competitive compensation rates

2) 1 hour paid lunch for full time employees

3) 4 Wellness Days annually for full time employees 

4) 14 Paid Holidays which includes 1 Floating Holiday

5) 403(b) Plan with discretionary matching

6) Employee benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, health savings account, life insurance, cancer care plan, dependent care and more.

7) Numerous opportunities extended for staff development and career growth.

8) Diverse employment opportunities include full-time, part-time, per diem and  temporary positions. Licensed clinicians and biling