Crisis Counselor, Community Crisis Response

About the Role:

The Crisis Counselor in Community Crisis Response plays a vital role in providing immediate emotional support and intervention to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress or crisis situations. This position is focused on delivering compassionate, confidential, and effective counseling services to help stabilize clients and connect them with appropriate resources for ongoing care. The counselor will work collaboratively with community organizations, emergency responders, and healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated response to crises. Through active listening, assessment, and crisis de-escalation techniques, the counselor aims to reduce harm and promote safety and resilience among affected individuals. Ultimately, this role contributes to the overall well-being and recovery of individuals and communities facing challenging and traumatic events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related human services field.
• Certification or training in crisis intervention or suicide prevention (e.g., ASIST, QPR).
• Experience working in crisis counseling, mental health, or social services settings.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, ethical standards, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or equivalent.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including underserved or marginalized communities.
• Familiarity with local community resources and emergency response systems.
• Bilingual skills or proficiency in multiple languages.

Responsibilities:

• Provide immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to individuals in distress via phone, text, or in-person encounters.
• Conduct thorough assessments to determine the severity of the crisis and identify appropriate next steps or referrals.
• Develop safety plans and connect clients with community resources such as mental health services, shelters, or medical care.
• Collaborate with emergency services, healthcare providers, and community organizations to coordinate comprehensive crisis response efforts.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of client interactions and follow-up activities in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.

Skills:

The Crisis Counselor utilizes active listening and empathetic communication skills daily to build trust and rapport with individuals in crisis, ensuring they feel heard and supported. Critical thinking and assessment skills are essential for accurately evaluating the severity of each situation and determining the most effective intervention strategies. Collaboration and coordination skills enable the counselor to work seamlessly with emergency responders and community partners to provide holistic care. Documentation and organizational skills are used to maintain detailed records that support continuity of care and compliance with legal standards. Additionally, cultural competence and adaptability are important to effectively serve clients from diverse backgrounds and respond to the dynamic nature of crisis situations.