Crisis Counselor/Specialist (Crisis Intervention)

Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems - A Chimes Company; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training provided

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Tuition reimbursement options

Job summary

Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is seeking a Crisis Counselor/Specialist for full-time days and nights in Reading, PA. The role focuses on providing phone and mobile crisis services, conducting assessments, and connecting clients with life-changing resources.

You will perform crisis response, intervention, and thorough documentation while collaborating with local police and EMS. This is a high-impact, lifesaving position with comprehensive training and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health discipline and one year of experience (Counselor) or Master’s degree with three years of experience (Specialist).
• Strong crisis intervention knowledge and behavioral health practices required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments and triage for individuals in distress.
• Provide immediate crisis counseling via telephone; determine when mobile outreach is needed.
• Deliver evidence-based crisis interventions and connect clients to community resources.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Communication

Calm Under Pressure

Driver's License

Independent Work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health

Master’s Degree in Behavioral Health

Tools

Documentation Systems

Job description

Description

Crisis Counselor/Specialist - Full-Time Days & Nights

Be the Lifeline When It Matters Most

Job Details

Location: Reading, PA

Pay Rate: $23+/hour

Schedule: Full-Time

• 1st shift 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Tuesday - Saturday
• 3rd Shift 12:00 am - 8:00 am; Sunday - Thursday

Program: Crisis Intervention Program

About the Role

When someone is in crisis, you'll be the calm, compassionate voice that guides them toward safety and support. As a Crisis Counselor, you'll provide essential phone and mobile crisis services—conducting assessments, delivering interventions, and connecting people to life-changing resources. If you're ready for meaningful work where every conversation can save a life, this is your calling.

What You'll Do

Crisis Response & Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments and triage for individuals in distress
• Provide immediate crisis counseling via telephone with skill and compassion
• Determine when mobile outreach interventions are needed
• Respond effectively to urgent situations with professionalism and empathy

Intervention & Support

• Deliver evidence-based crisis interventions following best practice principles
• Provide service referrals and connect clients to appropriate community resources
• Conduct thorough aftercare follow-up contacts to ensure continuity of care
• Collaborate with local police and EMS services to coordinate emergency responses

Clinical Excellence & Documentation

• Maintain high-quality, accurate clinical documentation including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries
• Complete all required insurance authorization documentation in a timely manner
• Prepare clear, concise reports that effectively communicate client needs
• Submit accurate payroll and billing documentation on schedule

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, families, and community partners
• Participate in agency committees focused on program enhancement
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development activities
• Contribute to internal quality improvement initiatives
• Work collaboratively within your team to ensure seamless crisis services

What We're Looking For

Required Education (one of the following)

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health discipline and one year of experience in a behavioral health setting (Counselor)
• Master’s Degree in a behavioral health discipline and three years of experience in a behavioral health setting ( Specialist)

Required Clearances

• Pennsylvania Act 33 clearance (Child Abuse)
• Pennsylvania Act 34 clearance (Criminal Background)
• FBI fingerprint clearance
• Verification of exclusion from Medicaid/Medicare Exclusion lists

Essential Skills & Qualities

• Strong knowledge of crisis intervention principles and behavioral health practices
• Excellent communication skills—both oral and written
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities
• Compassionate, patient, and professional demeanor
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Comfortable managing multiple interruptions and shifting priorities

Why Choose This Role

Make a Real Impact

• Be the voice of hope for individuals and families in their darkest moments
• Use your skills to prevent tragedy and connect people to healing resources
• Know that your work directly saves lives and strengthens your community
• Experience the profound satisfaction of crisis resolution

Professional Growth

• Comprehensive paid training in crisis intervention best practices
• Ongoing professional development opportunities aligned with your career goals
• Supportive supervision and clinical coordination
• Work within established ethical standards and evidence-based practices
• Opportunity to participate in program development and quality improvement

Supportive Work Environment

• Join a team that values integrity, teamwork, and collaboration
• Work for an organization committed to diversity and inclusion
• Access to clinical supervision and peer support
• Clear policies and procedures to guide your work
• Recognition for your dedication and impact

Comprehensive Benefits

• Paid training provided
• Employee recognition programs
• Referral bonus opportunities
• Discount programs through "Tickets at Work"
• Comprehensive paid training program
• Ongoing professional development
• Tuition reimbursement options available
• Pathways to leadership roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate clearly via telephone
• Ability to safely drive a motor vehicle for mobile crisis responses
• Ability to sit for extended periods during phone-based crisis work
• Proficiency with computers and documentation systems
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions
• Full awareness of environmental stimuli
• Strong reading, writing, and typing skills

Perfect For

• Mental health professionals seeking crisis intervention specialization
• Recent graduates passionate about emergency behavioral health
• Experienced counselors ready for high-impact work
• Individuals with strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience
• Those who thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments
• Professionals committed to serving vulnerable populations

Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.