Crisis Counselor

UF Health; St. Augustine South (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

UF Health Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, FL is seeking a PRN Crisis Counselor to support patients with evaluation, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and discharge planning.

The role involves collaboration with a professional behavioral health team to deliver compassionate care in a dynamic hospital setting. Responsibilities include intake screenings, psychosocial assessments, emergency crisis response, and coordination of referrals and services.

Qualifications

• Formal education in Social Work or mental health related field.
• Experience or training in crisis intervention preferred.
• Licensure or eligibility for Florida license in relevant mental health field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare intake screenings and psychosocial assessments for treatment and LOC decisions.
• Respond to urgent crises and provide direct crisis counseling to stabilize patients.
• Consult with psychiatrists and ED physicians on mental health, addiction, and trauma assessments.

Skills

Crisis counseling

Assessment

Documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Social Work

Mental Health Counseling

Marriage & Family Therapy

Job description

Overview

Location: UF Health Flagler Hospital

400 Health Park Blvd St. Augustine, Florida 32086

Schedule: Varies

Employment Type: PRN

Join UF Health and be part of a team committed to exceptional patient care, innovation, and community impact. We are currently seeking a passionate individual who is eager to make a difference in a dynamic healthcare environment.

The Crisis Counselor provides direct support to patients: evaluation and assessment of LOC (Level of Care) needs, treatment planning, crisis intervention, individual therapy, discharge planning, and community referrals. Works with professional team of behavioral health staff to provide excellent care and customer service to patients served.

Responsibilities

• Prepares intake screening interviews and psychosocial assessments and diagnostic formulations for use in treatment and discharge planning, and Level of Care (LOC) considerations. Confers with members of the professional clinical staff throughout all patient treatment processes. Maintains all records and documentation according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Evaluates and responds to any urgent crisis of patient and/or their families. Assess needs for care, provide direct crisis counseling and take immediate steps to stabilize clients in acute distress.
• Provides consultation to attending psychiatrists and Emergency Department physicians within the scope of their practice and expertise in areas including mental health, addiction and suicide assessments, trauma informed care, crisis intervention and disposition planning.
• Facilitates referrals needed, i.e.: admission to the Mental Health Unit, referral for detoxification services and all other follow-up care. Make contact with referral source and provide any needed information to ensure the best outcome for the patient.
• Completes utilization reviews by providing all relevant clinical information to insurance companies for any pre-certification of hospitalization.
• Provides patients and families with education, comfort, and relevant information in accordance with their care as needed within the facility and throughout the community.
• Compiles a referral source database, including ALF, nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, homeless shelters, etc.in order to provide the least restrictive, appropriate placement.
• Responds to all Code Gray calls throughout hospital (participates as a member of code gray response team). Evaluates and responds to all mental health social work consult orders entered by medical staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual DSM V, established standards of professional and ethical practice, and hospital and departmental policy and procedures.
• Demonstrates expertise in the Florida Mental Health Act -FS 394 ("The Baker Act"), possesses a thorough understanding of its application, and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Completes annual Baker Act training. Demonstrates an advanced level of psychosocial and addiction/recovery assessments and intervention services, including individual, group and family therapies.
• All other duties as assigned by department.

Qualifications

Education / Training

• Social Work, Mental Health/Mental Health Counseling or Marriage & Family Therapy

Experience Requirements

• 0 - 1 year Social Work/Counseling

Preferences

Mental Health Care experience, experience facilitating therapeutic groups, individual therapies, and recreational activities, crisis intervention.

Certificates/Licenses/Registration

• Florida license in Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Mental Health Counseling or Florida license in Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern or Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• WELLE Certification

Additional information

• BLS, provided by American Heart Association (AHA), required within 30 days of employment.
• Completion of WELLE training (Non-Abusive Psychological & Physical Intervention) within 90-days of employment; annual re-certification will be required thereafter.

This position requires a Level 2 background screening. Applicants may review background screening information at https://info.flclearinghouse.com/