Crisis Counselor – Behavioral Health

Position Summary: The Crisis Counselor is responsible for conducting timely and comprehensive clinical assessments for individuals seeking admission to an AHCA-licensed acute behavioral health unit. This role focuses on evaluating crisis situations, determining the appropriate level of care, facilitating smooth admissions, and ensuring compliance with AHCA regulations and organizational policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required

• Minimum 1 year of work in a mental health or related field 

• Familiarity with AHCA regulations, Baker Act (Florida), and psychiatric admission criteria.

Responsibilities:

• Perform face-to-face or telehealth crisis evaluations for individuals presenting with acute psychiatric or behavioral health needs.

• Conduct suicide/homicide risk assessments, mental status exams, and psychosocial evaluations.

• Determine medical necessity and appropriateness for admission in accordance with AHCA criteria and clinical guidelines.

• Facilitate admission into the acute care unit by gathering required documentation, obtaining necessary authorizations, and collaborating with intake, nursing, and clinical teams.

• Communicate admission decisions clearly to referral sources, patients, and families.

• Coordinate with emergency departments, law enforcement, and community providers to ensure safe and timely transfers.

• Complete all AHCA-required forms, consent documents, and assessments within designated timeframes.

• Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records consistent with state, federal, and organizational standards.

• Follow HIPAA guidelines and patient rights regulations at all times.Work closely with psychiatrists, nursing staff, case managers, and utilization review teams to ensure efficient patient flow.

• Provide consultative support to community partners regarding admission criteria and crisis stabilization options.

• Participate in daily staffing meetings and case reviews as needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES  

Demonstrates Dependability:  

• Arrives to work on time according to Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery policies. 

• Uses leave time according to Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery policies. 

• Completes documentation/paperwork and projects within deadlines. 

Demonstrates Flexibility & Initiative:  

• Assumes additional responsibilities and a willingness to assist colleagues. 

• Works different shifts when necessary. 

• Recommends program changes and improvements. 

Demonstrates Teamwork:  

• Maintains an overall work attitude of cooperation and professionalism in all interactions with agency staff and  community professionals. 

• Attends and participates in required staff meetings and agency-wide committees. 

• Receptive to direction and feedback from supervisor 

Demonstrates Professionalism: 

• Conducts self in a professional manner with colleagues, peers, and persons served. 

• Recognizes the rights of persons served; and will protect persons served privacy at all times by following Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery, State, and Federal mandated privacy procedures and regulations.  

• Adheres to Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery Code of Ethics at all times. 

• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, laws, and regulations under which Lightshare operates.