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Alleghany Highlands Community Services

Emergency Crisis Counselor

Career Insights for Mental / Behavioral Health Counselor

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What they do

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.

$34,411 / year median in Virginia

+13% projected growth

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Job Description

Our Organization For over 40 years, AHCS has been the primary public behavioral healthcare provider in the Alleghany Highlands area, offering services to adults and children with challenges related to mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities. Core Responsibilities The Emergency Crisis Counselor provides timely, client-centered crisis response for individuals experiencing acute mental health needs, helping determine safe, least restrictive next steps.
Key responsibilities include:
Provide in-person and telephone crisis intervention to clients and families Complete hospital preadmission screenings and coordinate psychiatric bed placement when indicated Conduct diagnostic evaluations/assessments to guide level of care and referrals Support discharge planning, follow-up, coordination of care, and intake/assessment for new clients Collaborate with law enforcement, magistrates, hospital staff, and community partners Required qualifications/skills: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in counseling or related field (60-hour program preferred) QMHP required; LPC, LCSW, LCP, or Resident in Counseling preferred Outpatient/inpatient clinical mental health and/or substance use treatment experience Strong crisis assessment, documentation, and communication skills Valid driver's license Apply to bring your clinical judgment and steady presence to emergency behavioral health care. Shift Snapshot You'll work rotating shifts (including nights, weekends, and on-call coverage), responding to urgent calls and arranging face-to-face evaluations as needs arise. A typical shift includes triaging referrals, meeting with individuals in the community or hospital setting, and documenting assessments in a timely, accurate manner. You'll coordinate next-step planning with hospital teams and community resources, then complete follow-up contacts to support continuity after an emergency visit. Throughout the day, you'll communicate clearly with stakeholders to ensure decisions are well-informed and centered on safety, rights, and access to appropriate care. Total Rewards Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; 401(k); Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Competitive Salary; Paid Time Off; and Employee Discounts.