Dispatch/Counselor - CCRT (6063)

Center for Family Services; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick pay and personal time off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health & Wellness Activities

Ongoing Training & Professional Dev.

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

Center for Family Services in Camden seeks a Part-Time Crisis Response Counselor (24 hrs/week) to provide rapid, trauma-informed crisis intervention on a mobile team. You will de-escalate crises, assess risk, coordinate care, and link clients to essential services.

Responsibilities include rapid response, referrals to shelters and outpatient care, and collaboration with peers to support adults and families. Valid driver’s license and flexible schedule required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services or Psychology required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Licensure (LCSW, LPC) or eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls within 15–30 minutes and provide on-site intervention within one hour.
• Partner with Peer Specialists to assess immediate needs and provide support for mental health, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, and conflicts.
• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to crisis stabilization, shelters, outpatient services, and school-based supports.
• Develop individualized service plans with short-term goals and linkages to care.
• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with agency and funder requirements; conduct follow-up for continuity of care.
• Participate in supervision, trainings, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assist in community outreach and de-escalation/harm reduction education.
• Collaborate with homeless outreach teams and local partners during encampment response.

Skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

Trauma-informed care

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work / Counseling / Human Services / Psychology

Master's Degree preferred

LCSW / LPC licensure or eligibility preferred

Job description

The Camden City Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) is a non-law enforcement, trauma-informed mobile crisis team serving residents of Camden. CCRT provides culturally responsive crisis intervention services aimed at stabilizing individuals in real time and connecting them to needed resources. The team includes licensed clinicians, counselors, peer specialists, and care coordinators who respond to crises to reduce emergency room visits, unnecessary arrests, and law enforcement involvement.

Position Summary

The Part-Time Crisis Response Counselor (24 hrs/week) provides rapid, trauma-informed crisis response to individuals and families experiencing behavioral health crises in Camden. This position is part of a non-law enforcement mobile crisis team and includes de-escalation, stabilization, risk assessment, case coordination, and referral to services.

• Respond to crisis calls within 15-30 minutes and provide on-site intervention within one hour.
• Partner with Peer Specialists to assess immediate needs and provide support related to:
  • Mental health concerns
  • Substance use treatment access
  • Domestic violence and trauma
  • Conflict resolution and mediation
  • Welfare checks and safety planning
• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate services, including:
  • Crisis stabilization and outpatient services
  • Domestic violence shelters and trauma supports
  • Homeless shelters and diversion programs
  • School-based supports and youth diversion programs
• Develop individualized service plans with short‑term goals and linkages to care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency, COA, and funder requirements.
• Conduct follow‑up to support continuity of care.
• Participate in supervision, trainings, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assist in community outreach, including public education on de‑escalation and harm reduction techniques.
• Collaborate with homeless outreach teams, County Homeless Services, and local partners during encampment response and coordinated care efforts.
• Adhere to all Center for Family Services and program‑specific policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or Psychology required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Licensure (LCSW, LPC) or eligibility preferred.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience providing direct services to adults and/or families in crisis.
• Experience working with trauma‑impacted populations, including individuals affected by domestic violence, child abuse, behavioral health conditions, and/or substance use.
• Preferred: Experience collaborating with social service systems, crisis programs, or law enforcement partners.
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or recovery from addiction is a plus.
• Strong crisis intervention and de‑escalation abilities.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and referral systems.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Sound judgment and the ability to remain calm and effective in high‑pressure situations.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver's license, proof of automobile insurance, and clean driving record.

Physical Demands

• Frequent travel to CFS locations and community‑based settings.
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

At the Center for Family Services our employees are our greatest resource and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

• Sick pay and personal time off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health & Wellness Activities
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Opportunity for advancement

Disclaimer

Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.