Alternate Response Team Crisis Counselor

City of High Point; United States; On-site; USD 34,991 - 47,485; Full time

Job summary

The City of High Point is seeking an experienced Crisis Counselor for its Police Department. This role focuses on providing behavioral health and substance-use interventions when city first responders identify individuals in need of support. Responsibilities include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, conducting assessments, and developing safety plans.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a related field along with crisis intervention training. The role offers a chance to positively impact the community and requires excellent communication and assessment skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mental health counseling, social work, or related field required.
• Crisis intervention training with knowledge of best practices.
• Strong assessment and counseling skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls from police department or partners.
• Conduct clinical assessments for safety plans.
• Engage with clients to develop rapport.

Skills

Crisis intervention training

Assessment and counseling skills

Motivational interviewing

Strong communication abilities

Education

Master’s degree in mental health counseling

Bachelor’s degree in a human service related field with 5 years experience

Job description

Compensation Range

$25.40 - $34.47 per hour.

What You’ll Do

The High Point Police Department seeks an experienced crisis counselor to provide evidence‑based behavioral health and substance‑use interventions to individuals identified by city first responders and other staff. Responsibilities include responding to emergency and non‑emergency calls, engaging clients in crisis, assessing safety, determining care levels, and providing clinical or non‑clinical treatment.

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities

• Respond to referral requests from the police department or other designated partners.
• Respond within 30 minutes to calls where an alternate response team is requested.
• Determine the type of response needed, including field‑based crisis intervention, phone counseling, information, follow‑up, and/or referral.
• Engage with clients to develop rapport and gain cooperation for assessments.
• Conduct clinical assessments to establish safety plans and appropriate service referrals.
• Provide evidence‑based therapeutic interventions as indicated by the assessment.
• Conduct limited case‑management services for high‑utilizers as directed by the Lead Clinician.
• Maintain healthy relationships with community partners and resources.
• Participate in an after‑hours on‑call schedule.
• Provide accurate documentation within allocated time frames.
• Operate standard office equipment and specialized software to maintain HIPAA compliance and case‑management notes.
• Work outside the office and within the community as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mental health counseling, social work, or related field, or Bachelor’s degree in a human service‑related field with at least 5 years of experience.
• Crisis intervention training with comprehensive knowledge of best practices for mental health, trauma, child abuse/neglect intervention, harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, social work, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations.
• Substantial knowledge of motivational interviewing and engagement techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders).
• Ability to assess clients and environments to make safe clinical judgments.
• Motivation to work with clients in crisis with high acuity, aggression, or offensive behaviors.
• Strong assessment and counseling skills; strong written and spoken communication abilities.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and networking skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• LMHC or LCSW credentials.
• Experience in crisis response or emergency services.

Physical Requirements

Hearing, speaking, and visual abilities must meet specified acuity and perception standards. Physical strength includes light lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently; tasks involve reaching, handling, and operating equipment. The role requires ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Mental Activity/Requirements

Requires logical reasoning and understanding of public personnel and employment laws, ability to handle practical tasks and exercise good judgment, and use of arithmetic or statistics for reports.

Language Ability

Must speak, read, and write English.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The City of High Point is committed to fostering a work environment that values individuals from all backgrounds and is an equal‑opportunity employer. It complies with all federal, state, and local laws protecting employees from discrimination.