Marcus Alert Counselor

Marcus Alert - 988 Counselor

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm and 1 weekend a month

Salary: $56625 per year

Join the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board as a full time Counselor for the Marcus Alert 988 program and become a pivotal part of a dedicated team committed to delivering excellent mental health support. This role offers an opportunity to make a direct impact in the community by providing timely interventions in crisis situations helping individuals regain control of their lives. You will work collaboratively with law enforcement and emergency services ensuring safety and promoting mental wellness.

Being on the front lines of mental health youll have the chance to utilize your skills in a meaningful way while fostering empathy and integrity in your approach. Your contributions will reflect our values and elevate the standard of care we provide as a premier service provider. You will receive great benefits such as Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Paid Time Off and and the Virginia Retirement System. Step into a role where your expertise can truly change lives.

Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board: who we are

Since 1971 the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has provided the highest quality of behavioral health services to residents of the cities of Hampton and Newport News Virginia offering a comprehensive array of programs for both children and adults living with mental illness developmental disabilities and/or substance use disorders.

988 is the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (TALK) a nationwide network of more than 200 locally and state-funded crisis centers across the United States. Calls to 988 are routed by area code to the nearest Lifeline center connecting individuals in crisis with trained counselors.

The Marcus Alert system complements this effort by improving support for individuals experiencing crises related to mental health substance use or developmental disabilities. It enhances coordination between 911 and regional crisis call centers and ensures a specialized behavioral health response from law enforcement when Virginia all Community Services Boards (CSBs) are required to implement the Marcus Alert system by July 1 2028.

Your role as a Marcus Alert 988 Counselor

The Marcus Alert 988 Counselor position at the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board is an essential role designed to offer immediate support in response to behavioral health substance use and homelessness-related emergencies. As a key team member you will co-respond alongside first responders including law enforcement and fire department medics to provide on-the-spot assessments and crisis intervention services. Your responsibilities involve conducting preliminary mental status evaluations coordinating admissions to treatment facilities and assisting in transporting individuals to necessary services such as clinics or shelters. You will also consult with clinical staff on complex cases ensuring a holistic approach to care. By performing follow-up contacts you will maintain continuity of support and offer guidance to clients and their families.

This position empowers you to make impactful contributions to community well-being while working collaboratively with various stakeholders in a dynamic environment.

What were looking for in a marcus alert 988 Counselor

To qualify for this position candidates must have the following:

• Masters Degree in Human Services.
• One (1) year of experience in a psychiatric care setting.
• Must be registered with the Board of Counseling to practice as a QMHP or register as a QMHP trainee within 30 days of employment.
• Pre-admission screener certification training modules must be successfully completed within 30 days of hire.
• Valid Virginia Drivers License.

Strong communication skills empathy and the ability to work collaboratively with first responders and mental health personnel are critical to ensure effective crisis intervention. Additionally candidates should demonstrate problem-solving abilities and a commitment to delivering compassionate client-centered care.

Get started with our team!

If you have these qualities and meet the basic job requirements wed love to have you on our team. Apply now using our online application!

The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation DMV record check Child Registry search drug screening test and employment reference checks.