Crisis Counselor, Crisis Unit

Counselor – Crisis Stabilization Unit Heritage Behavioral Health Center – Decatur, IL Full-Time | Every Other Friday Off | Mission-Driven Work Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate, skilled professionals to join our Crisis Stabilization Unit! About Heritage Behavioral Health Center Heritage is a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) serving individuals across multiple counties in Central Illinois. We believe every staff member—regardless of role—plays a meaningful part in improving the lives of the individuals we serve. We’re dedicated to creating a supportive, wellness‑focused workplace so you can focus on delivering high‑quality care. Why You’ll Love Working Here Every other Friday off – paid wellness days Collaborative and mission-driven culture Competitive compensation aligned with state and national benchmarks Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC Strong agency support for professional growth We invest in our team because your well‑being is essential to the well‑being of the individuals we serve. Salary Range dependent on education, experience, and credentials: Bachelor’s Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday paid off Master’s Degree: $60,000 annually + every other Friday paid off Additional compensation available for licensure/certification (CADC, LPC, LSW, LCSW, LCPC) Position Overview: Counselor, Crisis Stabilization Unit The Counselor will be part of our Care Transition Team, providing short-term, crisis-focused counseling to individuals admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit during periods of acute behavioral health need. The focus of this role is symptom stabilization, strengthening crisis response skills, enhancing coping strategies, and ensuring a smooth, timely transition to outpatient or community-based care. This is a fast-paced, collaborative clinical environment that values clinical judgment, flexibility, and excellent communication. Key Responsibilities Provide short-term counseling and crisis intervention to individuals admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit Complete clinical assessments and provide ongoing therapeutic interventions Update and develop Crisis Safety Plans with individuals served Support Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) to promote self-management Help clients identify triggers, warning signs, and effective coping skills Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and clinical staffings Assist with discharge planning and coordination of transitions to lower levels of care Collaborate with internal teams and external providers to ensure continuity of care Educate individuals on resources and relapse-prevention strategies Complete timely documentation, progress notes, and treatment updates Maintain trauma-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented clinical relationships Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Skill in providing effective, short-term clinical interventions in high-acuity settings Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation models Familiarity with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria Ability to develop and adjust crisis and recovery-focused treatment plans Understanding of WRAP principles Strong clinical judgment and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced setting Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong team collaboration skills Comfort with uncertainty, rapid change, and crisis environments Ability to navigate electronic health records and documentation systems Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (required) Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field (preferred) Preferred certifications/licensure: CADC, LSW, LPC Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) credential preferred Experience in behavioral health settings and crisis services strongly preferred Leadership or people development experience is a plus Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance required Benefits Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday paid off, EAP, fitness reimbursement Insurance:Health, dental, vision, FSA (healthcare & dependent care), additional life insurance Includes substantial agency contribution toward health insurance premiums Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Ready to Make a Difference? Join a team that cares about you as much as we care about the individuals we serve. Apply today and help us build a healthier, more hopeful community!