Regional Crisis Counselor- Region 3 (C19 Grant)

Our Agency
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.
The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta. DBHDD has regional offices throughout the state, including five regional hospitals.
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Office of State Office of Adult Mental Health FEMA Crisis Counseling Grant – Declaration GA-DR-4501
is seeking candidates for the position of:

COVID-19 Regional Crisis Counselor This is a grant funded, full-time, temporary position

Position Location:
This is a remote position that reports the Region 3 Field Office.
Salary range: Based on education and experience.
Hours per day or week: 40 hours/week (Standard Business Hours).

Position expected to last through June 2021.

Travel: Minimal. Possible in-State as needed for grant activities.

Job Description
COVID-19 Regional Crisis Counselor
This position functions as the single point of contact for Regional Community Liaison/Resource Linkage Coordinator – (COVID-19 grant activity). This is a grant funded, full-time, temporary position with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Adult Mental Health, under supervision of the Director of the Office of Adult Mental Health. This position will report to the Regional Community Liaison / Team Leader.

This position Provides active listening and focused response to individuals’ needs and problem statements. Provides para-professional behavioral health emotional support to individuals through virtual outreach.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Assists or provides educational information to Regional office staff about the pandemic and how it affects behavioral health.

Helps develop and maintain a list of various service providers in the region that may serve to facilitate resource linkage for individuals needing to access various types of pandemic relief assistance.

Networks and regularly communicates with existing community resources and community service providers to identify referral mechanisms and requirements.

Provides public information at the regional and local level regarding the department’s services to persons or groups experiencing pandemic related stressors.

Provides service availability or referral information to those in need regarding behavioral health or social services. Provides presentations to community groups on common reactions to the stress of pandemic, coping skills, stress management, and the CCP.

Represents (virtually or otherwise as appropriate) the CCP in the community and networks with other agencies and partners to ensure needs of individuals are met.

Completes required SAMHSA data collection reports to document any applicable public contacts that must be counted timely as part of grant funding requirements (training to be provided). Responds timely to all requests for information from departmental staff or managers.

Completes all required departmental and grant related training as directed.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND one year of work experience in area of assignment OR a high school diploma with two years of experience in area of assignment.
Note: An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

Strong customer service skills

Demonstrated organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Computer and typing proficiency (min 40 wpm with 80% accuracy); proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)

Knowledge of recovery and social support resources

Experience working with broad stakeholder groups, service providers, and behavioral health advocacy organizations

Availability to work evening or day shift rotation

Able to provide own private workspace supported by remote resources.

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.
The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

Drug Screening

TB Evaluation

Annual Influenza*

Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.