A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
At Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, we are committed to building a team that truly represents the communities we serve — because great care starts with great people. At Ecker, we are proud of the real difference our work makes every day, demonstrating dedication and a compassionate approach, where treatment is carefully planned and customized for each individual based on their unique needs and strengths. That same care extends to the well-being of each of our team members. Together, our staff fosters a welcoming workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and open feedback drives continuous improvement. As a trusted behavioral health organization committed to providing care in the community since 1955, we offer an array of comprehensive services for youth, adolescents, and adults. Our therapists provide crisis intervention services for individuals (age 5+) who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis. In addition, Our Mobile Crisis Response team is an itinerant intervention brigade responding to the location of the individual seeking to achieve crisis symptom reduction & stabilization, establish support for the individual's caregivers when applicable, and mitigate the crisis event.
Job Scope:
The Crisis Therapist provides crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services to individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies in community and emergency department settings. This role collaborates with hospitals, first responders, and community partners to ensure client safety, coordinate appropriate care, and connect individuals with ongoing treatment and support. This role requires flexibility to respond to crises in a variety of environments. Primary Responsibilities PEP Provides crisis intervention services including risk assessments, brief counseling, referral, and disposition planning; demonstrates independent clinical judgment and consults with supervisors and attending physicians as needed. Facilitates and executes the pre-admission screening process for state-paid hospitalizations by completing required documentation, confirming laboratory requirements, initiating referrals, and coordinating care with internal and external personnel. Maintains knowledge of referral sources and procedures, research appropriate community providers, explains available resources, and interfaces with agencies and hospitals to ensure timely coordination of care. Completes required administrative documentation, maintains accurate shift reports and tracking logs, handles mental health service inquiries, and determines the appropriate level of service and referrals. Actively participates in shift change to ensure continuity of client care, orients and trains staff and paramedic interns, and serves as a QMHP resource for Crisis Service staff as applicable. Maintains knowledge of the Mental Health Code, Confidentiality Act, DSM-5-TR, agency policies and procedures, attends supervision and monthly meetings, supports the Crisis Care System, and performs other duties as assigned. MCR Functions as a mobile crisis counselor to benefit the needs of the program, providing evaluation/assessment interviews with rapid differential diagnosis, evaluation for referral and/or disposition, and appropriate case management support and engagement services Provides triage, assessment, crisis de-escalation/resolution, coordination with local hospitals, police, fire, medical, and behavioral health services, crisis planning, and follow-up. Manages walk-in, telephone, and community-based crises Delivers services primarily in the community where the client is located, including shelters and client homes Provides referral and disposition options appropriate to the client's needs and safety including warm hand offs to referral sources. Schedules outpatient follow ups. Responds to Call4Calm requests and regional crisis call hubs such as 988. Performance Requirements Engage clients and provide crisis counseling in single session therapy. Assess for emergency hospitalization and/or respite care. Participate in shift change, to ensure a smooth and thorough transfer of client care. Attend monthly Psychiatric Emergency Program & Mobile Crisis response meetings with supervisor. Manage and appropriately refer substance abusing clients in crisis. Must be able to work independently and be willing to travel in the community (Kane County and nearby Cook) Willing to transport clients when appropriate, current driver's license, automobile, and auto insurance required Education and Experience Master's degree in Human Service field Valid Illinois Clinical License (LSW, LCSW, LPC, or LCPC) required CADC preferred Minimum of one year clinical experience, some crisis intervention experience required Experience working with adults and children with mental health and/or substance use needs Experience assessing and counseling clients in psychiatric crises Great communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Valid Illinois driver's license, insurance, and automobile and willingness to transport client when necessary Ability to administer CPR Willingness to work holidays, weekends, and overnights as needed Schedule Hours and schedule vary - Work at least 2 shifts per month Ecker Center for Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace where all team members have an opportunity to succeed.
Pay:
$25.00 - $27.20 per hour
Benefits:
Flexible schedule Paid time off Application Question(s): Do you currently hold any of these Illinois Clinical License's? (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
