Crisis Counselor

North Central Behavioral Health; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

North Central Behavioral Health in Sterling, IL is seeking a Crisis Counselor to provide immediate crisis support and intervention on-site. You will assess risk, plan safety, and coordinate follow-up services with treatment teams and community partners.

Responsibilities include documenting services, attending team meetings, and offering psychoeducation to clients and families to promote recovery-oriented care. A flexible schedule for crisis coverage is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related human services field.
• Experience in crisis work or community mental health is preferred.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and behavioral health disorders.
• Familiarity with documentation and electronic health records.
• Valid driver’s license may be required for community-based work.
• Flexibility to work crisis coverage hours.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessments and safety planning.
• De-escalate crises in person and by phone.
• Coordinate follow-up services to ensure continuity of care.
• Document services and participate in team meetings.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families.
• Support referrals to ongoing treatment and community supports.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Behavioral health

Case management

Resource referral

Advocacy

Communication skills

Active listening

Empathy

Professionalism

Licensure eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in psychology / social work / counseling

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

Company Description

North Central Behavioral Health Systems (NCBHS) is a nonprofit behavioral health organization dedicated to helping children, adults, and families reach their full potential through mental health and substance use education, counseling, and specialized services. For over 40 years, NCBHS has provided care to more than 50,000 clients across North Central and West Central Illinois, serving counties such as LaSalle, Bureau, Marshall, Putnam, Stark, Fulton, McDonough, and Grundy. Each year, approximately 7,200 clients receive services supported by a community-based Board of Directors. NCBHS holds National Quality Approval through Joint Commission Accreditation and is licensed or accredited by state and federal agencies, including Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care insurers. The organization emphasizes quality, accessibility, and community partnership in all aspects of care.

Role Description

The Crisis Counselor is a full-time, on-site role based in Sterling, IL, providing immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. This position involves conducting risk assessments, safety planning, and crisis de-escalation in person and by phone, while coordinating follow-up services to ensure continuity of care. The counselor will collaborate with internal treatment teams, hospitals, social service agencies, and law enforcement as appropriate to connect clients with needed resources. Daily responsibilities include documentation of services, participation in team meetings, and adherence to clinical and regulatory standards. The role also involves offering psychoeducation to clients and families, promoting recovery-oriented care, and supporting referrals to ongoing treatment and community supports.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess skills in Psychology and Mental Health, with knowledge of crisis intervention, behavioral health disorders, and evidence-informed counseling approaches.
• Candidates should possess skills in Case Management and Social Services, including care coordination, resource referral, advocacy, and collaboration with community agencies.
• Candidates should possess strong Customer Service skills, including clear communication, active listening, empathy, and maintaining professionalism in high-stress situations.
• Relevant qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related human services field (or equivalent experience as allowed by regulations).
• Beneficial qualifications include prior experience in crisis work or community mental health, familiarity with documentation and electronic health records, and knowledge of local social service and healthcare systems.
• Additional preferred qualifications include applicable clinical licensure or eligibility (e.g., LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW), valid driver’s license if required for community-based work, and the ability to work flexible hours as needed for crisis coverage.