Respite Crisis Clinician

JOB SUMMARY:

The Respite Crisis Clinician provides direct clinical support to individuals receiving services in ROME Crisis Residence programs. The clinician conducts intake screenings, comprehensive assessments, clinical assessments, risk evaluations, safety planning, and provides brief counseling and crisis stabilization services to support participants during their stay.

The Respite Crisis Clinician works collaboratively with program staff, peer specialists, and community providers to promote stabilization, recovery-oriented care, and successful transition back into the community. This position requires one of the following licenses: LMHC, LMHC-P, LMHC-D, LCSW or LMSW. 

This position reports to the Crisis Residence Coordinator or Director of Site-Based Crisis Programs. Travel between program locations within Western New York may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Clinical Services

1. Conduct admission screenings and intake assessments in accordance with OMH Part 589 Crisis Residence regulations.
2. Complete clinical risk assessments including suicide risk and risk of harm to self or others.
3. Provide brief crisis counseling and supportive therapy to participants as clinically indicated during their stay.
4. Collaborate with program staff to support crisis stabilization and recovery-oriented care.
5. Develop or assist in developing the Individual Service Plan (ISP) within 24 hours of admission.
6. Monitor participant progress toward stabilization goals and update interventions as clinically appropriate.
7. Complete and update safety plans with participants when indicated.
8. Support participants in identifying coping strategies, wellness tools, and community supports.

Documentation & Compliance

1. Complete all required documentation including intake assessments, progress notes, risk assessments, safety plans, and discharge documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
2. Ensure documentation meets OMH, Medicaid, and agency standards for quality and timeliness.
3. Maintain compliance with HIPAA and all federal and state confidentiality regulations.
4. Assist with data collection or reporting as requested by program leadership.

Collaboration & Program Support

1. Work collaboratively with respite staff, peer specialists, program managers, and community providers to coordinate care.
2. Participate in case consultations and team meetings to support participant care.
3. Assist with coordination of referrals and discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.
4. Provide clinical guidance to staff when needed regarding crisis de-escalation and participant safety planning.
5. Demonstrate cultural competency and trauma-informed care practices when working with participants.

Program Participation

1. Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as required.
2. Represent ROME in a professional manner when interacting with community providers and community partners.
3. Travel between crisis residence sites within Western New York as needed.
4. Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not intended to cover all duties and responsibilities required for the position. Responsibilities may change based on program needs or regulatory requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not supervise staff.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK AND DECISION MAKING

The Respite Crisis Clinician exercises professional clinical judgment when conducting assessments, determining appropriate interventions, and supporting participants during periods of crisis stabilization.

AUTONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The clinician works under the supervision of the Program Manager or Director of Site-Based Crisis Programs, following agency policies, OMH regulations, and clinical best practices.

TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT, OR TOOLS

Proficiency in:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
• General office equipment including computer, phone system, and fax.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job.

The employee may:

• Sit or stand for extended periods
• Travel between program locations
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Work within a residential behavioral health environment

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

1. Licensed or license-eligible clinician (LMHC, LMHC-P, LMHC-D, LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent).
2. Minimum two (2) years of experience providing mental health or crisis services preferred.
3. Knowledge of crisis intervention, psychiatric rehabilitation, and recovery-oriented care.
4. Ability to obtain NY Academy of Peer Services certification within 60 days of hire notification.
5. Valid Class D Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of crisis intervention and behavioral health stabilization practices.
2. Understanding of the public behavioral health system and community resources.
3. Ability to conduct clinical assessments and risk evaluations.
4. Strong clinical documentation and writing skills.
5. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community providers.
6. Ability to establish professional relationships with participants while maintaining boundaries.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHR systems.
8. Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with our without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

 Recovery Options Made Easy,. is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Recovery Options Made Easy,will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact Colleen Hutchinson at Recovery Options Made Easy.