Counselor, Emergency Services - License Eligible

Emergency Services Counselor - LPC or LCSW License Eligible

Annual Salary: $62,406

Work Schedule: Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays

About Us

Since 1971, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has provided the highest quality of behavioral health services to residents of the cities of Hampton and Newport News, Virginia, offering a comprehensive array of programs for both children and adults living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.

Position Summary

The Emergency Services Counselor provides timely clinical screening and crisis counseling for individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies, helping determine the safest and most appropriate next level of care.

Key responsibilities include:
- Complete preliminary mental status and pre-admission assessments; document findings clearly.
- Provide short-term crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and stabilizing interventions.
- Coordinate referrals and admissions, including detention order processes, hospital admission, and release planning.
- Attend hearings and communicate recommendations to care providers and case management staff.
- Maintain accurate client records and prepare required reports and materials.

Required qualifications:

• Master's in a human services field eligible for VA licensure (LPC or LCSW)
• One year of psychiatric/crisis experience.
• Eligible to register as a QMHP-T with the Board of Counseling within 30 days of hire.
• Pre-admission screener certification modules must be completed within 30 days of hire.
  
  

A Typical Shift

You begin by reviewing active cases and coordinating with hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners to confirm next steps already in motion. Throughout the shift, you triage incoming calls, complete screenings, and balance rapid decisions with careful documentation. As needed you will complete face-to-face evaluations and coordinate needed legal and clinical steps, then follow through with updates to involved providers. Between urgent events, you check in with specific caseload contacts (such as a jail-based referral), provide brief supportive counseling, and ensure records are current.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Annual and Sick Leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Clinical Supervision towards licensure

Apply Today!

Apply to bring your clinical judgment and steady presence to emergency behavioral health response.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.