Description

Crisis Intervention Counselor

The primary function of this position is to provide quality therapeutic interventions to clients experiencing crisis, in accordance with the organization’s suicide prevention program. This positions directly reports primarily to the Director of Behavioral Health and secondarily to the National Suicide Prevention Coordinator of U.S.VETS.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Responsibilities:

• Provide quality crisis and behavioral interventions to veterans who have been identified as high risk for suicide
• Intervene in crisis by employing clinically supported crisis intervention strategies
• Maintains awareness of community resources and assists clients served in appropriate use of community resources
• Implements the goals and objectives of the U.S.VETS Suicide Prevention Program
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA and other regulations and with required documentation to include required case file documentation
• Conducts suicide risk assessments to veterans in need and provides appropriate referrals, helping to initiate higher level of care services, as needed
• Updates resources including training tools, contact information, etc.
• Contributes to the strategic goals and outcomes of the agency as measured by the achievement of performance outcomes
• Maintains professional and current knowledge of suicide prevention best practices and emerging research
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with key stakeholders in suicide prevention, public health, and behavioral health at local, state, and national levels
• Implements suicide prevention strategies at local U.S.VETS site
• Identifies veterans at high risk for suicide, offers direction to providers regarding delivery of enhanced care to high-risk veterans and serves as a resource for frontline staff in suicide
• Ensures crisis management services are provided to veterans in accordance with best practice standards
• Participates in supervision with National Suicide Prevention Coordinator to maintain the ongoing implementation of the components of the organization’s suicide prevention program

• Implements U.S.VETS Coordinated Crisis Response plan standards
• Conducts suicide risk assessments to identify high risk veterans
• Completes staff suicide prevention certification training or skills-based training to support the response to veterans during crisis situations
• Refers veterans in need to appropriate community agencies for ongoing care and intervention
• Handles special projects as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of two years directly relevant experience required
• Experience in maintaining high-level community stakeholder relationships required
• Experience working with homeless and/or veteran population preferred
• Experience dealing with clients possessing multiple barriers
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff, and community members
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Conflict and crisis management skills
• Demonstration of personal integrity in the workplace
• Ability to take direction, work independently with minimal oversight, and to work within a team
• Computer proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course.

U.S.VETS provides housing, counseling, career services and comprehensive support to 5,500 homeless and at-risk veterans and families each night. Founded in LA more than 25 years ago, U.S.VETS now has 30 residential sites and services centers across the country, with more in development. With the goal of ending veteran homelessness, U.S.VETS launched prevention programs, focused on jobs and mental health, and advocates on the State and Federal level for resources to help service members transition successfully to civilian life. We will continue in our mission until no man or woman who served our country is left sleeping on its streets.