Lead Emergency Clinician at United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc – Bennington, Vermont

Description: $1,000 Sign On Bonus Available (to be paid 90 days after hire)

Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

OBJECTIVE:

Under the direction of the Director of Emergency Services, the Lead Emergency Clinician provides a wide variety of clinical services to mental health and/or substance use clients, including crisis assessment, evaluation, clinical case management, and recommendations for disposition in accordance with the Mental Health Provider Manual written and mandated by the Vermont Department of Mental Health. The Lead Emergency Clinician serves as the senior/lead clinician during assigned shifts, assisting team members with clinical decision-making, triage, and crisis response planning for individuals experiencing acute mental health, behavioral health, and/or substance use crises. Services may also include consultation and education services to area schools, agencies, and the community at large. The Lead Emergency Clinician is also responsible for supporting on-boarding, precepting, and mentoring new staff, and coordinating the Clinician work schedule.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

DIRECT CLINICAL SERVICES: Assists support staff in triaging crisis calls and determining the appropriate response, including mobile response, phone intervention, collaboration with law enforcement, and emergency department intervention. Provides assessment, evaluation, and brief, solution-focused counseling to individuals and families experiencing acute mental health, behavioral health, and/or substance use crises. Formulates and communicates clinical recommendations for disposition, including but not limited to community-based stabilization, referral for outpatient or higher levels of care, emergency department evaluation, crisis bed placement, law enforcement involvement, or other clinically appropriate interventions. Services may include individual, family, and group critical incident debriefing. Coordinates services with other agencies and providers. Facilitates appropriate referrals for other services when necessary. May provide specialized assessment/screening services based on professional concentration and training, i.e., psychological testing, substance use evaluations, etc.

CONSULTATION, EDUCATION, CLINICAL OVERSIGHT, AND LEAD CLINICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides mental health and/or substance use consultation to the community at large, area agencies, the professional community, and/or schools as required. Consultation can be educational or evaluative in nature. Specific areas of consultation/education are based on the clinician’s areas of expertise or interest. Provides liaison services among community agencies to coordinate services for clients.

Serves as the senior/lead clinician during assigned shifts and provides clinical support to team members in the assessment, triage, intervention, and disposition planning of crisis cases. Assists clinicians and support staff with clinical decision-making in complex, high-risk, or unclear situations to promote safe, timely, and appropriate responses. Supports consistency in clinical practice, decision-making, and adherence to program expectations.

Provides on-boarding, mentorship, and preceptorship to newly hired staff within Emergency Services, including clinical guidance, orientation to workflows, modeling of best practices, and support in developing confidence and competence in crisis response. Creates and maintains monthly work schedules for clinical staff. Supports the Director of Emergency Services in programmatic tasks as needed.

CLINICAL CASE MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

Provides concurrent case management services on an as-needed basis. These services may include service coordination with other agencies and services; collateral contacts with other family members or significant others in a client’s life; telephone support to clients or collaterals; social support services for locating, developing, or providing care services; and treatment planning sessions.

CLINICAL RECORD-KEEPING

Initiates and maintains, in a timely and thorough manner, the wide variety of record keeping and administrative documentation required to account for services provided to clients. Such work includes, but is not limited to, client-specific assessments, evaluations, disposition recommendations, case services and progress notes, time sheets, schedules, billing reports to third-party payors, and assigned periodic reports.

ADMINISTRATIVE, AGENCY, AND CLINICAL TEAM MEETINGS

Attends and actively participates in the necessary coordinative, administrative, and clinical meetings designed to inform, problem solve, and coordinate services and programs.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related field
• Two years’ related work experience is preferred.
• Professional clinical license in field of specialty also preferred.
• Relevant experience and enrollment in a licensure program will be considered in lieu of current licensure.
• Qualified Mental Health Professional Certification must be obtained within 1 year of start date.
• Valid Driver’s License

Requirements: