As an advocate for individuals in a behavioral health crisis, this position works as a part of a team serving those in acute crisis, in addition to those diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disorders, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. The Crisis Clinician completes emergency clinical assessments for temporary detention and evaluations for hospitalization in accordance with regulations set by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). This position requires shift work that may include overnights, weekends, holidays, weather closures, and county closures. Flexibility may be required to work additional hours beyond the normally scheduled workweek as dependent upon the volume of emergency requests during the assigned shift. Crisis Clinicians II and III provide training and guidance to Crisis personnel and works with community agencies to facilitate services.
This job description is based upon an evaluation of agency requirements at the time this description was written. This job description will change as the position is developed further, or in response to organizational or technological changes.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Performs complex, code mandated evaluations to include mental status examination and comprehensive risk assessment.
- Provides emergency crisis intervention services to individuals who are high risk, i.e., suicidal, homicidal, experiencing symptoms of psychosis, with the goal of stabilization and finding creative and safe community treatment alternatives.
- Makes independent diagnosis and determines if civil commitment criteria are met; when clinically indicated, recommends and petitions for Emergency Custody Order or Temporary Detention Order.
- Performs emergency evaluations of inmates at local correctional facilities who may need acute psychiatric hospitalization; when clinically indicated, recommends Temporary Detention Order and collaborates with state facility on placement.
- Evaluates individuals seeking voluntary admission to a crisis stabilization unit.
- Works closely and collaborates with law enforcement officers and/or Sheriff's deputies throughout the evaluation and detention process.
- Implements continuity of care procedures and coordinates all admissions to private and state facilities, in observance of all applicable diversionary initiatives.
- Provides therapeutic response and problem-solving skills when answering 24-hour crisis telephone lines, assessing in real-time any risk, and triaging with necessary emergency personnel.
- Participates in clinical staff meetings to ensure the smooth integration and transition of clients into the service delivery system.
- Provides short-term crisis intervention counseling as schedule permits utilizing a brief (6-12 session) model or serves as a part of a mobile response team when necessary.
- Receives ongoing supervision from the Crisis Services Supervisor, as well as general training and guidance through onboarding from those within the Crisis Clinician II and Crisis Clinician III roles, with the latter being related specifically to more immediate on-site issues.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS: Crisis Clinician I - A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education, and training, which indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties required.
- Master's degree earned from an accredited college or university in a relevant human services field required. Master's students will be considered based on experience and qualifications.
- Virginia LCSW or LPC eligibility preferred; Virginia Board registration required within 6 months of employment.
- Will be required to obtain Certified Preadmission Screening Clinician (CPSC) certification during employment.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to provide your own transportation.
Crisis Clinician II - A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education, and training, which indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties required.
- Master's degree earned from an accredited college or university in a relevant human services field required.
- Virginia LCSW or LPC eligibility required.
- Virginia Board registration required at time of hire; Virginia Board approval must be obtained within 60 days of employment.
- Certified Preadmission Screening Clinician (CPSC) certification required with at least one year of experience.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to provide your own transportation.
Crisis Clinician III - A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education, and training, which indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties required.
- Master's degree earned from an accredited college or university in a relevant human services field required.
- Virginia LCSW or LPC required.
- Virginia Board registration required at time of hire; Virginia Board approval must be obtained within 60 days of employment.
- Certified Preadmission Screening Clinician (CPSC) certification required with at least two years of experience.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to provide your own transportation.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: - May be exposed to allergenic environments from client's homes, including dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
- May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases.
- Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times.
SALARY: $77,805 - $95,641
POSITION: ID119
RETIREMENT: NWCSB participates in Virginia Retirement System.
DISCLAIMER: All full-time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in Virginia Retirement System. For more information about benefits and a complete list of current job openings, please visit our website, www.nwcsb.com. Positions remain open and advertised until filled.
If you need assistance or an accommodation to apply or interview, contact Human Resources at HRTeam@nwcsb.com or 540-636-4250, Ext 2155.
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