Tribal Crisis Counselor I

Description

About VOAWW:

Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. Volunteers of America Western Washington is officially a designated CARE trauma informed organization.

Benefits (Full time)

• Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours
• Competitive compensation
• Holidays: 8 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
• Free Employee Assistance program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Professional Development opportunities

About Care Crisis Response Services (CCRS):

CCRS is a 24/7 crisis center offering suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and professional consultation services, including behavioral health evaluations. We provide brief crisis counseling and help clients identify appropriate services for their behavioral health crises. Our operations include regional and 988 crisis lines across Washington State.

This full-time, hourly position provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information and referral, and brief supportive counseling to tribal-affiliated clients experiencing emotional distress or seeking mental health services. The Tribal Crisis Counselor works in a call center, with all client interactions occurring via telephone. This role serves the American Indian and Alaskan Native population, including Tribal members, descendants, First Nations, unrecognized tribes, and tribally affiliated community members.

Principal Activities:

• Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and supportive counseling to clients in emotional distress
• Conduct client assessments in accordance with regional and program policies
• Manage client interactions to ensure culturally relevant support
• Adhere to program policies and procedures
• Document client interactions accurately and efficiently
• Meet or exceed key performance indicator goals
• Use current technologies to interact with clients and the tribal community
• Provide professional assessments, consultations, and coordination
• Attend staff meetings and training at local and regional levels
• Mentor and coach new staff
• Contribute to an environment that focuses on ensuring integrity, respect, accountability, and trauma informed service
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Tribally affiliated. This can either be tribal enrollment or descendancy with ties to a tribal community
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred and at least one (1) ear of experience in a mental health position
• Knowledge of Native populations in Washington State preferred
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration is required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain in active status during employment
• Passing a typing test with a score of 35 WPM or higher

Required Skills:

• Fluency in English (oral and written).
• Courteous, empathic, and professional demeanor
• Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and active listening
• Strong problem-solving and information-gathering skills
• Superior communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively
• Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously
• Respect for diversity and cultural competency
• Efficiency in documenting notes in electronic medical records

Home Office Technology Requirements

• High-Speed Internet: Minimum download speed of 100Mbps and upload speed of 10Mbps. To ensure smooth workflow, you will be required to provide a recent internet speed test result as proof
• Secured Wired Connection: A direct wired connection to the internet using a secured ethernet cable is mandatory. Wireless connections (WiFi) are not allowed due to potential security risks and performance limitations
• No Satellite Internet: Satellite internet service providers such as HughesNet, Starlink, or Visat are not supported due to latency issues that can negatively impact service delivery

Effect on End Results:

• Outstanding customer service and well-functioning Native and Strong team
• Decrease the level of a client’s crisis by engaging them and utilizing crisis intervention skills and suicide intervention techniques as needed
• Meet key performance indicators as defined by funder, contractual, and accreditation requirements
• Excellent organizational skills, open communication, and addressing issues as they arise

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.