Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist I / II

Maniilaq Association; Kotzebue (AK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Maniilaq Association seeks a Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist I/II to provide crisis intervention and stabilization at the Maniilaq Health Center and the Counseling and Recovery Center in Alaska.

The role includes psychosocial assessments, short-term counseling, and coordinating with medical staff to guide appropriate treatment and referrals, in a culturally sensitive, HIPAA-compliant environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field with licensure eligibility in Alaska.
• Must be able to obtain LCSW/LPC/LAP/LAP within 2 years; strong crisis intervention and assessment knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention services and participate in on-call rotation.
• Manage caseload including assessments, treatment plans, and notes.
• Conduct psychosocial screenings and develop treatment plans for mental health and substance use clients.
• Collaborate with medical staff and crisis team on discharge planning and referrals.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and document all services in clinical records.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Assessment Techniques

Interpersonal Communication

Written Skills

Cross-cultural Sensitivity

Flexibility/Travel

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work/Related Field

Alaska licensure eligibility (within hire)

Job description

Maniilaq Association isa P.L. 93-638 Native/Indian Preference/EEO Employer

Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist I / II

Job Code: 2026:AKB-001

Location: Alaska-Based

Program: Behavioral Health Services

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Responsibilities:

Maniilaq Association

07/25

Title: Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist I/II Range: 16/17

Program: Counseling and Recovery Center Status: Exempt

Housing Priority: 3 Covered: Yes

BCU: Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

This position serves the Maniilaq Health Center and Maniilaq Counseling and Recovery Center. At both facilities, this position provides crisis intervention and stabilization services. This position also provides brief supportive counseling for the purpose of referral to appropriate level of care for individuals, families and couples and works, in collaboration with medical staff and behavioral health personnel, to provide current clients with appropriate recommendations for acute and long-term treatment interventions. The Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist participates in the multidisciplinary team rounds to discuss client status and discharge planning. This position is located at the Maniilaq Health Center and reports directly to the Maniilaq Counseling and Recovery Supervisor, and/or designee.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide crisis intervention services and participate in the on-call rotation.
• Maintain the ability to manage a case load that includes clients receiving services for substance abuse and mental health treatment including conducting assessments, development of treatment plans and writing encounter notes.
• Conducts and reviews comprehensive psychosocial screening, assessments, and treatment plans for mental health and substance abuse clients, provides brief interventions and case management.
• Demonstrates basic knowledge and develops expertise in the assessment and treatment of substance abuse, mental capacity and incapacity, mental illness, adult protection, child protection, domestic violence, sexual and physical assault, psychosocial crisis, bereavement, and mental illness.
• Acquires and utilizes knowledge on regulatory compliance and agency policies and procedures.
• Documents all services in the client's clinical record
• Maintains adherence to, HIPAA, the relevant code of ethics of clinicians licensing board and 42 CFR Part 2 (The Code of Federal Regulations on Substance Abuse Confidentiality).

Maniilaq Health Center Requirements:

• Provides crisis intervention which consists of a crisis assessment, case management, treatment plan and discharge plan for behavioral health patients currently located at the Maniilaq Health Center.
• During Crisis interventions, provides a provisional diagnosis based on DSM criteria that are inclusive of any mental, emotional, behavioral, addictive, developmental disorders and disabilities, psychosocial aspects of illness injury disability and impairment within a psychosocial framework.
• Conform to hospital and behavioral health regulations and policies related to the duties of the position including maintaining the confidentiality of all patient information, and the handling and disclosure of patient information as well as any safety protocols for working in the health center.
• Administers and interprets applicable measurements/tests (including but not limited to MSE, BECK Depression Scale, WPS) to assist in assigning appropriate diagnosis.
• Collaborates with medical professionals to evaluate patient's mental health needs
• Refers patients, clients, or families to community resources to assist in recovery from mental illness or substance abuse
• Acquires and utilizes knowledge on regulatory compliance and agency policies and procedures.
• Works collaboratively with crisis team and CRC on court orders for involuntary treatment, including attending court proceedings when requested.
• Maintains adherence to, HIPAA, the relevant code of ethics of clinicians licensing board and 42 CFR Part 2 (The Code of Federal Regulations on Substance Abuse Confidentiality).
• Documents all services in the patient’s clinical record.

Job Qualifications:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist I:

A Master’s degree in Social Work, Professional Counseling, Psychology, or Family and Marital Therapy (or the like). Master’s degree must be in eligible for an Alaska State licensure at the time of hire. Broad clinical experience. If the candidate does not have a license eligible Master’s degree but has obtained a Doctoral degree that is eligible for an Alaska State Licensure, the Doctoral degree will be accepted as equivalent. Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse issues, both theory and practice; crisis intervention techniques; assessment techniques; and understanding of mental health and substance abuse disorders. Strong interpersonal communication and written skills. Must be able to obtain an LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or LAP within 2 years. Ability to work with sensitivity in a cross-cultural environment. Ability to adjust to “bush” conditions in Arctic Alaska. Must be willing and able to travel frequently in small planes.

Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist II:

Has met all minimum qualifications for Behavioral Health Crisis Therapist I. In addition has obtained a Master’s Level professional mental health license in Alaska. Examples of qualifying Master’s level licenses include Licensed Professional Counselor (under AS 08.63) and Marital and Family Therapy (under 08.29). Other qualifying Master’s level licensures are (1) Licensure as a Psychological Associate or (2) Licensure as a Master of Social Work. Candidates with qualifying Master’s level licensures will still be required to obtain their terminal Licensure (LAP, or LCSW) within two years. *Please inquire if supervision is currently available*

Other Job Information (if applicable):

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties ad meet physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.