Crisis Outreach and Support Team Mental Health Counselor

Employment Opportunity- Behavioral Health

The Independence Center has provided psychosocial rehabilitation group and individual therapy case management vocational and housing services to adults with chronic mental health needs in Lake County for over 30 years. Employees of the Center are champions in supporting our members as they progress toward achieving and maintaining healthier lifestyles and managing the cyclical nature of their diagnosis.

As a small private agency we provide a work environment that encourages autonomy fresh ideas creativity teamwork and growth through systematic development and training opportunities. Our staff strives to make a positive impact in the lives of the community we serve through a unique and whole person-centered approach to treatment. We work in a challenging and sometimes stressful field so we also like to have fun with staff gatherings and celebrations from time to time. If you want to work with a purpose and make a difference in someones life a career at the Center could be the rewarding professional experience you have been seeking.

Position Summary:

The Crisis Outreach and Support Team Mental Health Counselor provides initial and ongoing assessment clinical diagnoses and support to Lake County residents with mental or behavioral health illnesses who interact with its law enforcement division. The position will accompany law enforcement in the community. The role will identify and recommend appropriate therapeutic interventions to assist individuals in crisis. This position is community-based.

Position Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Conduct and document mental health assessments treatment plans safety discharge plans progress notes reports and service interventions for services rendered to Lake County Residents.
• Conduct case management services including linking members to community resources and providing referrals to meet their needs. Assist residents in obtaining public entitlements housing community resources (RTA Free Ride program food pantries clothing donations LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) PADS etc.)
• Provide community support services and assist residents in achieving and maintaining rehabilitative resiliency and recovery goals. Services provided include therapeutic interventions that facilitate illness self-management skill-building identification and use of natural supports and community resources.
• Coordinate transport and participate in appointments with mental and physical health medical providers to promote collaborative care and provide input on treatment needs.
• Conduct non-medical assessments such as home safety transportation employment and community/environment resources to provide referrals for appropriate services and resolve concerns on the residents behalf.
• Provide outreach via phone email text to individuals to follow up on referrals and barriers that may remain.
• Facilitate educational and therapeutic groups in life skills communication coping and conflict management.

Benefits

We offer competitive salary and benefits including health dental vision life and disability (short/long term) insurance 403B retirement savings plan with employer match up to 2% of employees annual compensation tuition assistance. Paid Time Off - Including 18 days of PTO (Paid Time Off) and 8 paid holidays in the first year. We also have LCSW and LCPC supervision hours for individuals working on licensing requirements. Our staff enjoy a flexible friendly and casual-dress workplace.

The Independence Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination in all phases of employment based on an individuals race color sex age pregnancy national origin religion disability sexual orientation gender identity gender expression genetic information and any other classifications protected by federal state and local law.

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Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree preferred in human services fields such as social work counseling psychology or related discipline or bachelors degree and more than five years of mental health experience including crisis intervention.
• Minimum one year of experience working with individuals with serious and chronic mental illness preferably experience includes non-traditional treatment environments (in-home residential community settings).
• Strong interpersonal mediation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgment and demeanor in dealing with safety issues emergencies and high-conflict situations with members.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments in various settings and knowledge of resources available in the community.
• Valid drivers license and proof of insurability.
• Computer proficiency including knowledge of Word Outlook and basic computer competency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree from an accredited college or university in social work counseling psychology or a related discipline.
• QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) or LHPA.