Crisis Counselor, Project Impact

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On Demand Flexible Paydays with Dayfor

Competitive salary based on education,

Salary $22.92-$23.92/Hourly.

Opportunity for advancement

Healthcare insurance

Up to 26 days PTO per year

11 paid holidays

Sick time

403(b) plan

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible hours

Paid training

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is hiring a full-time Crisis Counselor to support individuals in the emergency department, addressing mental health, behavioral health, or substance use crises. The role offers a dynamic, variable monthly schedule, three days per week.

You will conduct comprehensive assessments, coordinate care, and ensure HIPAA compliance and accurate documentation in the EHR. The position requires one year in the field; licensure is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mental or behavioral health required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Background check clearance required.
• IM-CATS training and credentialing exam completed.
• Licensure in mental/behavioral health preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience in mental/behavioral health.
• Experience coordinating services with emphasis on continuity of care.
• Experience in an emergency department setting preferred.
• Experience with Medicaid/Medicare and other insurances preferred.
• Familiarity with EHR systems preferred.
• Solid understanding of HIPAA/privacy and documentation standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments to determine interventions and discharge plans.
• Develop familiarity with local resources to serve patients' diverse needs.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and accurate documentation.
• Adhere to ethical standards of practice and treatment.
• Document in Electronic Health Records accurately and promptly.
• Collaborate with supervisor staff, collateral contacts, and agencies to support patient well‑being.
• Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients and families.
• Demonstrate professional conduct with integrity and respect.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Professionalism

Education

Bachelor's degree in mental/behavioral health

Master's degree in mental/behavioral health

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Crisis Counselor. We operate a dynamic, variable monthly schedule tailored to our operational demands. This position will be 3 days per week. The Crisis Counselor will be responsible for providing timely and effective support to individuals presenting to the emergency department who may be experience a mental health, behavioral health, or substance use crisis.

This position complies with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, which requires that employees working in certain programs are fully vaccinated unless you have a medical or religious exemption. Routine COVID-19 Testing is required from the COVID-19 vaccination

Benefits And Perks

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $22.92-$23.92/Hourly.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions

• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments with patients to determine the most appropriate interventions and discharge plans, prioritizing patient safety, and well-being.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with local resources to best serve the diverse needs of patients across various situations.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and privacy standards while adhering to clinical guidelines and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards of practice and treatment.
• Ensure documentation in Electronic Health record System is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Operate within a multidisciplinary setting ensuring effective communication between supervisor staff, collateral contact and agencies, and other involved teams to support patient well-being and safety.
• Ensure comprehensive and compassionate care is provided to patients and families.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mental or behavioral health-related field required.
• Master's degree in mental or behavioral health-related field preferred
• Background check clearance required.
• Successful completion of IM-CATS training and credentialing exam.
• Licensure (LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, CADC) in mental or behavioral health field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in the mental health or behavioral health field required.
• Experience providing and coordinating a wide scope of services with emphasis on continuity of care.
• Experience working in an emergency department setting preferred.
• Experience working with Medicaid/Medicare and other insurances preferred.Familiarity and experience with Electronic Health Record systems preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of HIPAA/privacy and documentation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.