POSITION TITLE: Crisis Outreach Counselor

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024

PROGRAM: Crisis Response Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Crisis Response Services

FACILITY: Crisis Stabilization Unit

CITY: Lakeland / Bartow

JOB STATUS: Full Time

FLSA: Non Exempt

Job Summary: The Crisis Outreach Counselor provides mental health crisis services in various settings for immediate crisis assessment, crisis intervention, and time-limited, crisis counseling to promote crisis resolution and evaluation to individuals in Polk County who have come to the attention of Polk County Sheriff's Office and may be experiencing any type of emotional distress. Working in partnership with Sheriff's Deputies, the Crisis Outreach Counselor facilitates continuity of treatment for individuals through follow up contact to assist with connection to services, establish plans to alleviate further crises, and facilitate the Baker Act process as needed.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center's Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
2. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
3. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
4. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
5. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Answer crisis line telephones.
• Conduct crisis assessments/interventions, including co-existing disorders.
• Develop crisis action plan with individuals which may include connection to additional services based on the individual's needs
• Facilitate linkage to identified services and serve as a point of contact, advocate, and informational resource for the individual
• Conduct follow-up assessments/contacts and re-evaluate crisis plan as necessary
• Maintain call logbook, contact log and other documentation for statistical and outcome purposes as necessary.
• Concisely and correctly complete clinical documentation and related paperwork in a timely and professional manner.
• Good leadership skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills with peers and other agencies/organizations
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks
• Creative management and knowledge of community resources
• Ability to keep information confidential
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to travel to multiple sites
• Provide timely, accurate, completion of required documents

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field from an Accredited College or University. Master's level degree is preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year of experience in mental health or related field.

Certifications:

Training:

Complete specific training as required in FS 65-E5.

Approval of Abuse Registry and Law Enforcement check.

20 hours professional enhancement training annually including all PRC required.

Current Driver's License

Must have self-transportation that is reliable

Knowledge and Skills:

Assessment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Highly organized with the ability to work with minimal supervision

Excellent skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office

Safety Equipment

Standard Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation and be of age 21 or older

Must provide, carry and maintain $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle

Must have a FL driver's license and clean driving record

Physical Requirements:

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier

Supervisory Relationship(s)

None

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.