Behavioral Health Counselor-Community Support

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Behavioral Health Counselor - Engagement Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Behavioral Health Counselor delivers direct care to the psychiatric patient. Effectively interacts with the patients and their support network, and with the treatment milieu to facilitate positive patient outcomes. The Behavioral Health Engagement Specialist will perform these tasks in a fashion that assures, embraces, and communicates the pledge, values and policies of Northwestern Medicine.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required to be considered for this position.

This position is part of our Community Support team which entails majority of time being spent in the field. It is an expectation to transport clients in a personal vehicle.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide immediate support and intervention to individuals in crisis, both in person and via telehealth.
• Deliver crisis supports individuals at imminent risk of suicide, in need of urgent resources, or experiencing emotional distress.
• Assess individual needs and connect them to appropriate services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, or safe housing.
• Serve as part of a team, collaborating with clinicians and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
• Transport individuals to necessary services or safe locations as needed.
• Facilitate support groups and deliver training sessions for staff.
• Conduct follow-up services and home or community-based visits within required timeframes.
• Use lived experience with mental health or substance use to build peer-level connections and trust.
• Respond to crisis situations with empathy and guidance, helping individuals explore solutions and stabilize.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, social service agencies, and Northwestern Medicine departments to coordinate patient support.
• Partner with assigned clinical therapists to provide individual interventions and manage patient crises.
• Monitor and document patient progress toward treatment goals.
• Plan for patient discharge/linkage by securing treatment resources and scheduling follow-up appointments.
• Lead new patient orientations to familiarize individuals with services and expectations.
• Complete intake evaluations and assessments, documenting justification for recommended level of care using placement criteria.
• Cross-train across Behavioral Health Services (BHS) units and pursue professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to Integrated Assessment and Treatment Plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure all required documentation is completed within designated time limits.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members across clinical disciplines.
• Educate patients on self-help groups and encourage their use as ongoing support systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of street drugs and substances of abuse, including recognition of withdrawal symptoms.
• Conduct telephone screenings (inquiry calls) and determine appropriate disposition based on contact.
• Apply patient placement criteria to identify appropriate level of care and communicate with Managed Care for pre-certification.
• Report any incidents involving patients or staff that may compromise safety to team lead and manager.
• Support the intake process by handling inquiry calls as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification required within 12 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current auto liability insurance.
• Annual driving record abstract.
• Ability to travel daily to multiple work sites and community locations.

Preferred:

• Minimum of one year of direct experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness.
• Experience serving on a 590-designated Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), Community Support Team (CST), and/or Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, providing immediate behavioral health interventions in community settings.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.