PRN Crisis Hotline Counselor

YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

2 weeks paid vacation

12 paid sick days

11 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Mileage reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement

Growth and development

Career advancement

Job summary

Youth Villages is seeking dedicated professionals to join the Specialized Crisis Services team. The role involves operating a 24‑hour crisis hotline, dispatching counselors to communities, and evaluating safety during psychiatric emergencies for youth up to 18 years old.

The position emphasizes collaboration with families and partners to stabilize crises and support ongoing treatment planning. A master’s degree in social services and licensure progress are required or strongly preferred for

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a social services discipline is required.
• Provisionally licensed or pursuing licensure preferred.
• Experience with at‑risk youth and families is preferred.
• One year of clinical experience is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manages the 24-hour triage crisis hotlines.
• Dispatches counselors into the community to respond to calls.
• De-escalates and screens conversations for safety concerns.
• Preserves the dignity of those served and cooperates with the community.
• Attends weekly meetings for professional development and quarterly booster trainings.
• Completes accurate documentation in an EMR system.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Multitasking

Flexible scheduling

Basic computer skills

Education

Master’s degree in social services

Provisionally licensed (LMSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT) or pursuing licensure

Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We’re seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview:

Youth Villages’ Specialized Crisis Services (SCS) Program provides rapid, effective assessment and intervention for youth up to age 18 who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, such as suicidal or homicidal thoughts, severe depression, physical aggression, psychosis, or acting in a destructive or uncontrollable manner. The program offers thorough, strength-based assessments and crisis management to ensure the safety of the youth and others involved. Families, community members, and providers can reach out for support regardless of whether the youth is currently receiving services from Youth Villages.

SCS staff work closely with the youth, their family, and key community partners to evaluate risk factors and develop an immediate plan for stabilization. Services are provided in the home or community to offer timely, accessible support during a crisis. In addition to crisis assessment, the program provides ongoing treatment and intervention to help maintain family stability until appropriate long-term services can be secured.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages the 24-hour triage crisis hotlines

• Dispatches counselors into the community to respond to calls

• De-escalates and screens conversation for safety concerns

• Preserves the dignity of those we serve and works cooperatively with the community

• Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development and quarterly booster training sessions to enhance clinical skills

• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)

• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

• Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.

• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.

• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Salary:

$20 - $22 per hour based on education and clinical license

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a social services discipline (required)

• Applicants who are provisionally licensed (LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT) or working towards licensure (strongly preferred)

• Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families in a volunteer, internship, or paid position (preferred)

• One year of clinical experience (preferred)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Basic computer knowledge

• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

• 401(k)

• Time off:

• • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)

  • 12 paid sick days per year

  • 11 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

• Growth & development through continuous training

• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

_ *Benefits are excluded for variable status employees. _

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.