Children's Crisis Unit Counselor

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc.; Calais (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. in Maine is seeking 9 Children’s Crisis Counselors to provide intensive, short‑term crisis support for youth in our CCSU. Positions include 7 full‑time and 2 per diem roles, with a focus on safety, stabilization, and ongoing care planning.

The role involves collaboration with families, clinicians, and community resources to ensure continuity of care. The incumbent will conduct assessments, support treatment plans, document progress, and educate stakeholders

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• MHRT-1 provisional must be completed within 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain MHRT-I current and obtain CRMA within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization to youth in CCSU.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment and discharge plans.
• Support referrals, admissions, continuing care, and discharges for CCSU clients.
• Document client status, progress, and safety concerns in accordance with policies.
• Educate clients and families about emergency services and resources.
• Participate in team meetings, treatment planning, and coordination with providers.

Skills

Crisis counseling

Team collaboration

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

MANDT Level I

Job description

Description

AMHC is seeking 9 Children’s Crisis Counselors to provide intensive, short-term support to youth experiencing acute behavioral health crises.

Candidates Needed:

7 Full-Time

2 Per Diem

This position works within a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CCSU) to help clients regain stability, manage immediate challenges, and develop strategies for ongoing behavioral health needs.

The Children’s Crisis Counselor may also provide telephone crisis intervention, support, information, and referrals to individuals and families as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support referrals, admissions, continuing care, and discharges for youth receiving CCSU services.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments with a focus on client safety and the nature and severity of the crisis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and follow treatment plans, discharge plans, and individualized crisis stabilization plans.
• Support and collaborate with families and guardians throughout the treatment process.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services to youth in the CCSU.
• Monitor and document client mental status, activities of daily living, treatment progress, and safety concerns.
• Participate in treatment planning, team meetings, discharge planning, and coordination with internal and external providers.
• Provide individual and group services to youth receiving CCSU services.
• Educate clients, families, staff, community members, and providers about emergency services, available resources, and access options.
• Complete and maintain required documentation in accordance with AMHC policies and procedures.
• Participate in team, agency, and clinical consultation meetings.
• Follow CCSU and Emergency Services protocols and employee handbook requirements.
• Provide integrated services that support the client’s overall health and well-being.
• Provide telephone crisis support, intervention, stabilization, information, and referrals as needed.

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Occasionally transport clients to appointments.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Maintain confidentiality of client and company information.
• Provide a welcoming and respectful environment for individuals seeking mental health, substance use, co-occurring, community support, rehabilitation, and social services.
• Follow all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers, referral sources, providers, families, and others involved in client services.
• Communicate effectively through regular verbal and written communication.
• Interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The employee must be able to sit and stand for extended periods, walk, talk, hear, and operate standard office equipment, including a computer keyboard and mouse.
• The position requires the ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and move quickly when necessary to assist with client de‑escalation and safety.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position works in a residential setting with individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation.
• The work environment may involve varying noise levels and moderate risks or discomforts requiring additional safety precautions during client escalations.

SCHEDULE AND EMPLOYMENT

• This is a non‑exempt position with hours that may vary based on the needs of the team.
• Employees must be available to work weekends, evenings, awake overnights, and holidays.
• Due to the unpredictable nature of crisis services, employees may occasionally be asked to stay beyond their scheduled hours or provide coverage when needed.
• Compensation is provided in accordance with AMHC policies and applicable overtime requirements.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

The Children’s Crisis Counselor – MHRT I is administratively supervised by the Children’s Crisis Unit Site Manager.

Requirements

• This position requires a high school diploma.
• The MHRT-1 is provided upon hire; provisional must be completed within the first 30 days of employment.
• Under the MHRT-1 Provisional, the following needs to be completed within one year of hire: First Aid, CPR, Mental Health Support Specialist, and MANDT (Level I required).
• Employees are required to maintain all certifications to remain in good standing and to keep their MHRT-I current.
• CRMA certification is required within 6 months from the date of hire.
• The ability to pass a background check and meet other licensing or regulatory requirements is required.