Behavioral Health Counselor-Engagement Specialist, Community Support

Community Support Team

Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime hours

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Willing to obtain Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within 12 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current auto liability insurance.

Field work: meeting with clients in the community or in their homes to provide weekly case management.

The Behavioral Health Counselor - Engagement Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Behavioral Health Counselor - Engagement Specialist delivers direct care to the psychiatric patient. Effectively interacts with the patients and their support network, and with the treatment milieu to facilitate positive patient outcomes. The Behavioral Health Engagement Specialist will perform these tasks in a fashion that assures, embraces, and communicates the pledge, values and policies of Northwestern Medicine.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide immediate support and intervention to individuals in crisis, both in person and via telehealth.
• Deliver crisis supports individuals at imminent risk of suicide, in need of urgent resources, or experiencing emotional distress.
• Assess individual needs and connect them to appropriate services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, or safe housing.
• Serve as part of a team, collaborating with clinicians and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
• Transport individuals to necessary services or safe locations as needed.
• Facilitate support groups and deliver training sessions for staff.
• Conduct follow-up services and home or community-based visits within required timeframes.
• Use lived experience with mental health or substance use to build peer-level connections and trust.
• Respond to crisis situations with empathy and guidance, helping individuals explore solutions and stabilize.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, social service agencies, and Northwestern Medicine departments to coordinate patient support.
• Partner with assigned clinical therapists to provide individual interventions and manage patient crises.
• Monitor and document patient progress toward treatment goals.
• Plan for patient discharge/linkage by securing treatment resources and scheduling follow-up appointments.
• Lead new patient orientations to familiarize individuals with services and expectations.
• Complete intake evaluations and assessments, documenting justification for recommended level of care using placement criteria.