Mobile Crisis Counselor (Mental Health)

JOB SUMMARY: The Mobile Crisis Counselor is responsible for responding to crisis calls with the Mobile Crisis 

Peer, assessing the situation to determine client service needs, eligibility, and appropriateness of services, 

and making referrals or coordinating with other agencies to obtain services for clients and their families as 

necessary. In addition, this position provides guidance and direction to the designated Peer team member in 

alignment with BestCare policies and procedures, all regulations, and best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides crisis and risk assessment and intervention services in support of BestCare’s mobile crisis 

response, including after hours;

2. Provides immediate mobile response to individuals experiencing mental health crises within the 

County. Calls may come from a variety of different sources including the hospital, jail, police, or 

other community partners;

3. Gathers information necessary to identify and assess risk factors for harm to self or others in the 

context of the client's current psycho-social state via interview with client and with consideration 

given to collateral information; makes recommendations for safety planning or higher level of care 

needs;

4. Assesses for personal safety in the environment and requests law enforcement support as 

appropriate; 

5. Provides direction to the Peer team member in completing comprehensive safety plans for each 

client;

6. Provides assessment, recommendations, and case consultation to treatment providers and 

emergency department as appropriate;

7. Provides information and facilitates linkage to mental health treatment and other social services;

8. Operates in a sometimes ambiguous and frequently changing work environment;

9. Respects client rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics;

10. Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws, 42 CFR, and HIPAA requirements;

11. Documents and maintains electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that 

assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal 

regulations. Completes documentation within agency stated timelines. 

12. Reviews/approves all crisis documentation completed by the Peer team member;

13. Collaborates effectively with other team members and community partners;

14. Provides case consultation and stays in communication with other MH providers;

15. Completes appropriate follow-up with clients as required;

16. Assists in completing referrals, as necessary, to respite or other higher levels of care;

17. Acts as a role model to clients to inspire hope and share life experiences as appropriate

18. Telephones contacts, which include talking with clients who need support and are struggling and 

may be prone toward self-harm/suicidality or prone to making bad decisions;

19. Identifies person’s abilities, strengths and assets and assists them to recognize and use them.

20. Other related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Models BestCare’s mission, vision, and values, promoting integrity, compassion, and collaboration;

2. Supports the organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion, fostering an environment of openmindedness, cultural awareness and respect for all individuals;

3. Aligns department goals with organizational strategic initiatives;

4. Complies with Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all relevant policies and 

OARs;

5. Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon statutes;

6. Completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily, and attends other seminars, training, and 

educational opportunities to develop professional skills and abilities;

7. Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;

8. Works independently and collaboratively as a positive member of the BestCare team;

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

•Master’s Degree in accepted behavioral health field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Requires a master's degree in mental health-related field (Master of Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.); must have a QMHP or be eligible upon obtaining one upon hire.  

• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire and be insurable 

under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no 

Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations), and must have a 

reliable vehicle with adequate insurance to travel as needed.

• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (or obtain within 3 months of hiring)

PREFERRED:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: Must have demonstrated competency or ability to attain competency for 

each of the following within a reasonable period:

• Must be familiar with mental illness and substance use disorder populations, as well as people 

with disabilities;

• Must have knowledge of alcohol and drug addiction and detoxification, community resources, 

and recovery programs;

• Ability to complete and apply required trainings/certifications including First aid, CPR,

administration of naloxone and overdose reversal, de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed 

crisis response, harm-reduction strategies including overdose intervention, etc.;

• Ability to function well, follow direction, and use good judgment in a high-paced and at times 

stressful environment;

• Must have knowledge of and ability to use de-escalation techniques effectively

• Must have critical thinking skills;

• Ability to work independently as well as participating as a positive, collaborative team member;

• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), EHR platform, databases, virtual meeting 

platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software;

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, and ability to work effectively and respectfully 

in a diverse, multi-cultural environment;

• Strong communication skills (oral and written);

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through;

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines;

• Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships;

• Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately 

and effectively.