What are the responsibilities and job description for the Emergency Crisis Counselor position at Alleghany Highlands Community Services?
Our Organization
For over 40 years, AHCS has been the primary public behavioral healthcare provider in the Alleghany Highlands area, offering services to adults and children with challenges related to mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities.
Core Responsibilities
The Emergency Crisis Counselor provides timely, client-centered crisis response for individuals experiencing acute mental health needs, helping determine safe, least restrictive next steps.
Key Responsibilities Include
Shift Snapshot
You’ll work rotating shifts (including nights, weekends, and on-call coverage), responding to urgent calls and arranging face-to-face evaluations as needs arise. A typical shift includes triaging referrals, meeting with individuals in the community or hospital setting, and documenting assessments in a timely, accurate manner. You’ll coordinate next-step planning with hospital teams and community resources, then complete follow-up contacts to support continuity after an emergency visit. Throughout the day, you’ll communicate clearly with stakeholders to ensure decisions are well-informed and centered on safety, rights, and access to appropriate care.
Total Rewards
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; 401(k); Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Competitive Salary; Paid Time Off; and Employee Discounts.
For over 40 years, AHCS has been the primary public behavioral healthcare provider in the Alleghany Highlands area, offering services to adults and children with challenges related to mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities.
Core Responsibilities
The Emergency Crisis Counselor provides timely, client-centered crisis response for individuals experiencing acute mental health needs, helping determine safe, least restrictive next steps.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Provide in-person and telephone crisis intervention to clients and families
- Complete hospital preadmission screenings and coordinate psychiatric bed placement when indicated
- Conduct diagnostic evaluations/assessments to guide level of care and referrals
- Support discharge planning, follow-up, coordination of care, and intake/assessment for new clients
- Collaborate with law enforcement, magistrates, hospital staff, and community partners
- Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in counseling or related field (60-hour program preferred)
- QMHP required; LPC, LCSW, LCP, or Resident in Counseling preferred
- Outpatient/inpatient clinical mental health and/or substance use treatment experience
- Strong crisis assessment, documentation, and communication skills
- Valid driver’s license
Shift Snapshot
You’ll work rotating shifts (including nights, weekends, and on-call coverage), responding to urgent calls and arranging face-to-face evaluations as needs arise. A typical shift includes triaging referrals, meeting with individuals in the community or hospital setting, and documenting assessments in a timely, accurate manner. You’ll coordinate next-step planning with hospital teams and community resources, then complete follow-up contacts to support continuity after an emergency visit. Throughout the day, you’ll communicate clearly with stakeholders to ensure decisions are well-informed and centered on safety, rights, and access to appropriate care.
Total Rewards
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; 401(k); Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Competitive Salary; Paid Time Off; and Employee Discounts.