Crisis Counselor

Position: 988 Crisis Counselor I
About VOAWW:

Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. Volunteers of America Western Washington is officially a designated CARE informed organization.

Benefits (Full time)
Vacation and Sick Time:
Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours

Competitive compensation

Holidays: 8 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays

Medical, Dental, and Vision Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care

Free Employee Assistance program
403(b) Retirement Plan matching

Professional Development opportunities

About Care Crisis Response Services (CCRS):

CCRS is a 24/7 crisis center offering suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and professional consultation services, including behavioral health evaluations. We provide brief crisis counseling and help clients identify appropriate services for their behavioral health crises. Our operations include regional and 988 crisis lines across Washington State.

General Function:

This full-time, hourly position provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information and referral, and brief supportive counseling services to clients contacting 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by phone who are in emotional distress and/or seeking information about mental health services. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Counselor I staff work in a remote or in-person call center setting and complete all interactions with clients by telephone.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Counselor I staff are responsible for utilizing Lifeline Best Practices for clients at risk for suicide including completing a thorough safety assessment, providing validation and emotional support, safety planning, and initiating emergency interventions and reporting procedures as needed. This position is responsible for referring callers to regional crisis lines as appropriate.

Principal

Activities:

Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention and brief supportive counseling to clients who are in emotional distress and/or considering suicide

Conduct safety assessments of clients according to agency/department policies, funding and accreditation requirements, and Lifeline Best Practices Manage interactions with clients to ensure appropriate level of support is provided in an efficient manner

Operate within legal requirements of applicable state and federal laws including HIPAA confidentiality requirements regarding imminent risk and mandated reporting (i.e., Police Interventions, CPS & APS referrals, Tarasoff Duty to Warn)
Consult with 988 Crisis Shift Leads and Master’s level Crisis Shift Managers on any issues or questions about compliance, including mandatory reporting, HIPAA, Tarasoff Duty to Warn, imminent risk, etc.

Accurately, ethically, and efficiently document all client interactions

Consistently meet or exceed established key performance indicator goals, incorporate new expectations into work duties as requested

Utilize current technologies to interact with clients and members of the community

Utilize Microsoft Teams to engage with remote staff and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Shift Leads Attend staff meetings and trainings designed to increase clinical skills and encourage professional development

Act as mentors and coaches to new staff

Provide back-up coverage to other Regional Crisis Line and 988 programs as needed#voaww2

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field required. At least one (1) year of experience in a healthcare contact center and/or in mental health counseling. Suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and/or mental health information and referral services experience preferred

Applicants should be comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a collegial group environment

Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration is required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain in…