The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education and direct services.  We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.   

MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.  

Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of men, women, children and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.

Join our Team! We have an exciting new opportunity and an immediate need for multiple Crisis Counselors in our Nyack Clinic in Rockland County community.

SUMMARY of DUTIES
MHA, together with Project Hope NY, provides mental health support to those individuals and families impacted by COVID-19.  This is a mobile program servicing the Rockland County community.  The Crisis Counselors will provide outreach, basic support, individual and group crisis counseling, public education and referrals to clients.  The Crisis Counselors will support clients by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration.  Crisis Counselors will utilize evidence-based practices, always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1.    Works with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach, emotional support, individual and group crisis counseling, public education, and referrals when needed.
2.    Is synonymous with term “outreach worker.”
3.    Represents program in the community and networks with other agencies and partners to ensure needs of survivors are met.
4.    Provides presentations to community groups on disaster reactions, coping skills, stress management, and the CCP.
5.    May use the mobile application to complete data forms.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
1.    Bilingual in Spanish, Creole and/or Yiddish preferred.  
2.    Proficient written and oral communication skills.
3.    Strong organizational skills. 
4.    Ability to administer crisis intervention in emergency situations.
5.    Local travel required, including traveling to clients’ homes or other common community areas.
6.    Demonstrate an ability to work independently along and with a clinical team to achieve optimal treatment results for clients. 
7.    Adequate knowledge base of community resources in the areas of mental health, substance use, medical, housing, financial entitlements, insurance and legal advocacy for client treatment purposes and relationship building. 
8.    Understand the impact of culture on co-occurring integrated treatment practices. 

QUALIFICATIONS
1.    Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences or related field and at least 2 years’ experience in a mental health setting.
2.    Working knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competency required.
3.    Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.  
4.    Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state; and federal government.  
5.    The Crisis Counselors must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier. 
6.    The Crisis Counselors must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
7.    The Crisis Counselors must be cleared NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search. 
8.    The Crisis Counselors must be cleared by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List. 
9.    The Crisis Counselors must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect. 
10.    The Crisis Counselors must be legally eligible to work in the United States.  

MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.

To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé by e-mail to employment@mhawestchester.org with “Crisis Counselors” as the subject line of the e-mail. Thank you.