Counselor III – Access

Location Gainesville, FL
Rate of Pay: $16.00/hour

This is a position providing the first contact for persons seeking services or needing information about available mental health or addictions treatment. Counselor IIIs provide immediate crisis intervention and mental health first aid to callers. This position requires the ability to conduct telephonic initial assessments and make appointments for appropriate services or provide information and/or a referral to assure consumers are satisfied with the outcome of this initial contact. Customer service, computer, and crisis intervention skills are essential requirements of this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in related field, e.g. social work, counseling, psychology. Experience with crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Must be able to type at least 27 words a minute and pass Outlook and Windows proficiency levels.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Assist clients in accessing appropriate services at Meridian while treating clients with dignity and respect at all times.

2. Stabilize crisis callers and triage into the most appropriate level of care.

3. As needed, provide in-person screening and scheduling.

4. Helps to ensure the collection of data to ensure pertinent information is accurate regarding admissions, Medicaid or other 3rd party payer status, etc.

5. Develops strong collaborative relationships with internal and external customers by offering support and demonstrating openness, giving accurate information as requested.

6. Performs other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Specific competencies required are identified on a department/program specific basis and identified in each employee’s Competency Checklist.

Meridian is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are fully committed to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, marital status, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or because they are a protected veteran or other non-merit based factors.