Lead Mobile Crisis Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION: LEAD MOBILE CRISIS COUNSELOR (FULL-TIME)

Classification: Full-Time (40 Hours), Exempt Reports to: Mobile Crisis Team Supervisor Work Location: 100% In-Person

This position operates as an essential employee. All members of Harford Crisis Response (HCR) are the frontline, first response workers for behavioral health in Harford County. HCR employees are employed through the Office on Mental Health/Core Service Agency of Harford County, Inc. (OMH/CSA). The individual in this position will be responsible for providing mobile crisis services. Lead duties shall account for 1/4 of their time and/or as needed with OMH/CSA while also maintaining their MCT schedule. The person in this role shall have, at a minimum, 1.5-2 years as a mobile crisis counselor, or in crisis related work, or is a licensed master level social worker, counselor, or comparable or higher degree/licensure . All direct care workers are cross trained to provide multiple types of crisis response as part of HCR’s mission to make timely and effective crisis care available and accessible to the community.

Requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate agency vehicles as a condition of employment.

There are potential risks to crisis response work including but not limited to:

• Entry into environments with poor sanitation standards
• Entry into environments with insect or rodent infestations
• Exposure to people displaying volatile, unpredictable, or aggressive behavior, and/or to highly charged emotional situations
• Exposure to weather conditions including snow, rain, and heat
• Exposure to persons with infectious diseases

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides crisis interventions to clients experiencing mental or behavioral distress to deescalate situations
• Works effectively as a collaborating member of the care team, including case debriefing with partner or other team members as needed
• Establishes routines and procedures for daily client follow-up
• Interviews clients, reviews records, conducts assessments, or confers with community providers to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients
• Collaborates with community providers to plan or coordinate treatment
• Refers clients to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental illness or substance use, following through to ensure service efficacy
• Educates clients about mental health, substance use, and available community resources
• Monitors, evaluates, records and provides follow-up on client progress with respect to agency mission and treatment goals
• Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, by scheduling appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing additional support, as needed
• Completes assigned training
• Contributes to a culture of “yes” and “no wrong door” at Harford Crisis Response
• Follows guidelines and protocols established in the Program Handbook and Agency policies
• Acts a leader within the Mobile Crisis Team
• Provides and/or assists the mobile crisis Supervisor in ensuring all MCT shifts are covered, including afterhours

• Participates in and assists MCT Supervisor in ensuring MCT shifts are covered, including the afterhours coverage rotation as needed
• Assists the MCT Supervisor in training and onboarding new MCT Staff Members
• Assists the MCT Supervisor in data tracking and other special projects
• Acts as a leader and mentor on the call floor contributing to a positive and professional work environment;
• Brings peer concerns and solutions to the leadership team

• Performs other duties as assigned

Performance Standards

• Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills
• Ensures timely and accurate resource referrals, case follow-up, and documentation
• Demonstrates knowledge of community relationships with agency and externally
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to resolve problems
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at times.
• The ability to wear personal protective equipment in accordance with agency COVID-19 policies and Procedures
• Ability to operate motor vehicles and travel within the community.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance / Dental Insurance / Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Program