Crisis Intervention Counselor

At Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, we are committed to building a team that truly represents the communities we serve — because great care starts with great people. At Ecker, we are proud of the real difference our work makes every day, demonstrating dedication and a compassionate approach, where treatment is carefully planned and customized for each individual based on their unique needs and strengths. That same care extends to the well-being of each of our team members. Together, our staff fosters a welcoming workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and open feedback drives continuous improvement. As a trusted behavioral health organization committed to providing care in the community since 1955, we offer an array of comprehensive services for youth, adolescents, and adults. We provide crisis intervention services for individuals (age 4 ) who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis. We have a partnership between Ecker Center and Elgin's Police Department comprised of two EPD officers and three behavioral health professionals.

Job Scope: The Crisis Intervention Counselor provides immediate, on-scene support to individuals in mental health and substance use crises, partnering with police officers to assess, counsel, and connect individuals to appropriate services. This role involves coordinating referrals, maintaining detailed documentation, and collaborating with community resources and hospitals. The counselor uses clinical judgment to make decisions, advocates for individuals in crisis, and maintains professional boundaries while providing compassionate care. The position also requires ongoing training, adherence to confidentiality standards, and alignment with the policies of Ecker Center and the City of Elgin Police Department.

Primary Responsibilities

• Accompany police officers on call that involve individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis
• Upon arrival provide assessment, brief crisis counseling, case management, and referral services as needed
• Coordinate admissions and referral procedures to individuals and their families
• Keep extensive records and complete documentation of all work as required by the City of Elgin Police Department and Ecker Center while following relevant confidentiality regulations
• Utilize extensive knowledge of community resources and maintain relationships with emergency departments of area hospitals
• Attend meetings, trainings, and community engagements as directed
• Participate in the completion of Pre-Arrest Diversion Screening
• Participate in the LEAD Operations Work Group
• Perform miscellaneous advocacy tasks for individuals and other duties as assigned
• Maintain rapport and professional interpersonal boundaries and compassion with individuals in crisis
• Report to/supervised by Elgin Police Department and Ecker Center jointly
• Carry a police-issued phone for emergency situations

Performance Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment
• Ability to engage client and provide crisis counseling
• Ability to defuse and refocus escalating affect on the part of a client
• Ability to manage and appropriately refer clients in crisis
• Ability to work as a team with police officers
• Demonstrate independent decision making skills, seeking consultation appropriately
• Understanding of criminal thinking and treatment
• Ability to effectively liaison with other treatment providers
• Knowledge of human development across the life cycle, as applicable to the clinical population served
• Must have ability to work in a team setting and assess risks in a stressful environment
• Must have excellent written and verbal skills
• Additional skills include training in treating persons with criminal thinking and ability to identify substance misuse and access to professional substance treatment and support groups

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in human service field or equivalent experience
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Minimum of three years of documented prior experience in a mental health or related field
• Must have knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, clinical experience in evaluation, assessment and diagnosis
• Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, auto insurance, automobile, and ability to administer CPR

Schedule

• Monday 8:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00am – 3:00pm, 20 hours/week with some flexibility in schedule.

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace where all team members have an opportunity to succeed.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to work the hours as posted? (Monday 8:00am - 2:00pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00am - 3:00pm)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Elgin, IL 60123 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25