Telephone Crisis Worker

JOB DESCRIPTION: The primary responsibilities of the telephone crisis workers are to identify individuals presenting a mental health crisis and to facilitate appropriate intervention. In some cases this involves initiating rescue procedures by working with local police and sheriff's departments, serving as a consultant for mental health crisis services to other human services professionals, or providing direction to individuals in communities seeking services for family, neighbors, or friends. In other cases, it involves providing brief telephone-based mental health interventions to aid in the alleviation of anxiety and panic. Whatever it is a crisis worker is required to do in order to meet the immediate mental health needs of the client, a crisis worker needs to use effective communication skills, interviewing skills, as well as be able to absorb and apply a variety of information related to crisis line intervention protocols.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The appropriate candidate will meet the qualifications of a Qualified Mental health Professional (QMHP) according to the standards outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This includes a minimum of a B.A. or B.S. degree in psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, nursing, early childhood development, rehabilitation, or physician assistant. Likewise the appropriate candidate will have above average verbal and written skills, be able to utilize common computer applications, and type at least 35 WPM. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred. Successful completion of Avail Solutions' clinical training program is also required within a 90-day probation period.*

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Crisis services are rendered 24-hours per day, 7-days per week, without interruption. The entry-level crisis worker must be flexible with respect to scheduling, and may be required to work certain weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or overnight shifts.