Mobile Crisis Counselor (Mental Health)

Bestcaretreatment; Madras (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bestcaretreatment in Madras, Oregon, is seeking a Mobile Crisis Counselor to respond to crisis calls, conduct assessments, and provide guidance to Peer team members. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a behavioral health field and possess the ability to navigate complex and evolving crisis situations.

This role involves crisis assessments, developing safety plans, and collaborating with treatment providers. Successful candidates will exhibit strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of mental health resources.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant behavioral health field required.
• CPR and First Aid certifications needed.
• Familiarity with mental illness and substance use disorders essential.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls and assess client service needs.
• Provide mobile crisis response within the County.
• Develop comprehensive safety plans for clients.

Skills

Mental illness knowledge

Substance use disorder knowledge

De-escalation techniques

Strong communication skills

Crisis intervention

Education

Master’s Degree in accepted behavioral health field

Tools

MS Office 365

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY: The Mobile Crisis Counselor is responsible for responding to crisis calls with the Mobile Crisis Peer, assessing the situation to determine client service needs, eligibility, and appropriateness of services, and making referrals or coordinating with other agencies to obtain services for clients and their families as necessary. In addition, this position provides guidance and direction to the designated Peer team member in alignment with BestCare policies and procedures, all regulations, and best practices.

Essential Functions

1. Provides crisis and risk assessment and intervention services in support of BestCare’s mobile crisis response, including after hours;
2. Provides immediate mobile response to individuals experiencing mental health crises within the County. Calls may come from a variety of different sources including the hospital, jail, police, or other community partners;
3. Gathers information necessary to identify and assess risk factors for harm to self or others in the context of the client’s current psycho-social state via interview with client and with consideration given to collateral information; makes recommendations for safety planning or higher level of care needs;
4. Assesses for personal safety in the environment and requests law enforcement support as appropriate;
5. Provides direction to the Peer team member in completing comprehensive safety plans for each client;
6. Provides assessment, recommendations, and case consultation to treatment providers and emergency department as appropriate;
7. Provides information and facilitates linkage to mental health treatment and other social services;
8. Operates in a sometimes ambiguous and frequently changing work environment;
9. Respects client rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics;
10. Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws, 42 CFR, and HIPAA requirements;
11. Documents and maintains electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Completes documentation within agency stated timelines;
12. Reviews/approves all crisis documentation completed by the Peer team member;
13. Collaborates effectively with other team members and community partners;
14. Provides case consultation and stays in communication with other MH providers;
15. Completes appropriate follow-up with clients as required;
16. Assists in completing referrals, as necessary, to respite or other higher levels of care;
17. Acts as a role model to clients to inspire hope and share life experiences as appropriate;
18. Telephones contacts, which include talking with clients who need support and are struggling and may be prone toward self-harm/suicidality or prone to making bad decisions;
19. Identifies person’s abilities, strengths and assets and assists them to recognize and use them;
20. Other related duties as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

1. Models BestCare’s mission, vision, and values, promoting integrity, compassion, and collaboration;
2. Supports the organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion, fostering an environment of open-mindedness, cultural awareness and respect for all individuals;
3. Aligns department goals with organizational strategic initiatives;
4. Complies with Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all relevant policies and OARs;
5. Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon statutes;
6. Completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily, and attends other seminars, training, and educational opportunities to develop professional skills and abilities;
7. Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;
8. Works independently and collaboratively as a positive member of the BestCare team.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in accepted behavioral health field

Licenses & Certifications

• Requires a master's degree in mental health-related field (Master of Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.); must have a QMHP or be eligible upon obtaining one upon hire.
• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations), and must have a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance to travel as needed.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (or obtain within 3 months of hiring).

Preferred

• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.

Required Competencies

• Must be familiar with mental illness and substance use disorder populations, as well as people with disabilities.
• Must have knowledge of alcohol and drug addiction and detoxification, community resources, and recovery programs.
• Ability to complete and apply required trainings/certifications including First aid, CPR, administration of naloxone and overdose reversal, de‑escalation strategies, trauma‑informed crisis response, harm‑reduction strategies including overdose intervention, etc.
• Ability to function well, follow direction, and use good judgment in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Must have knowledge of and ability to use de‑escalation techniques effectively.
• Must have critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as participate as a positive, collaborative team member.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), EHR platform, databases, virtual meeting platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, and ability to work effectively and respectfully in a diverse, multi‑cultural environment.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow‑through.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and effectively.