Licensed Clinical Therapist (911 Call Center)

Position Information

New Hanover County is seeking to hire Licensed Clinical Therapists for a new mental health program within New Hanover County. Funded through the county's mental health fund, these positions will be members of the Public Health Department and work within the 911 Public Safety Communications Center location. The Clinician will triage 911 calls from individuals experiencing crisis, mental health and/or substance use needs. to determine the appropriateness of a clinical intervention in addition to/ in lieu of law enforcement and/or emergency medical services. The team will use evidence informed intervention models rooted in harm reduction and trauma informed response principles that will provide behavioral health crisis response services to New Hanover County. The 911 Call Center Clinician will provide outreach by phone and in person to individuals experiencing non-violent behavioral health while working with other Emergency Communications personnel to dispatch resources as appropriate. This position will also intervene with persons who have frequent contact with 911 dispatch to explore and link to other service needs.

Essential Duties:

• Provide short-term crisis counseling to clients in behavioral health crises utilizing harm reduction and trauma-informed care principles in a variety of community settings.
• Support clients in urgent crisis situations requiring immediate attention over the phone by evaluating needs, assessing risks, supporting caller stabilization, and dispatching appropriate resources.
• Clinical Therapist may co-respond to calls as appropriate.
• Obtain information and effectively triage a call to the appropriate level of care.
• Perform lethality, environmental risk, and safety assessments and effectively relay this information to responding resources as appropriate.
• Engage with individuals that are intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substances.
• Engage with individuals that are experiencing acute mental distress.
• Refer and link patients, clients, or family members to community resources as appropriate.
• Develop appropriate follow up.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect the boundaries of clients experiencing emotional distress.
• Follow training and protocols to safely de-escalate behavioral health crisis situations over the phone.
• Obtain appropriate paperwork and maintain strict adhesion to confidentiality, documentation, and record-keeping requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned that may be inherent to the position.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.

Other duties include:

• Coordinate referrals to services and related agencies to meet the needs identified.
• Develop a personal knowledge of topics related to mental health, crisis interventions and evidence-based practices.
• Participate in training opportunities to maintain individual and organizational competency and professional licensing requirements.
• Attend staff and office meetings, and coordinate services with other community partners.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation according to agency standards.

Physical Demands: Tasks involve extensive keyboarding on multiple keyboards, attentive listening to telephone calls and radio transmissions. Candidates must have the ability to exert very moderate physical effort typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, and lifting, as well as carrying, pushing, and pulling objects and materials of moderate weight, twelve to twenty pounds. Candidates must be able to work any shift assignments, including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, up to 12-hour shifts. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environm ent : General call center-type environment with air conditioning and fluorescent lighting. Noise level can be high as the office is active with phone calls, radio transmissions, signal, and equipment sound.

About Us:

New Hanover County's Consolidated Human Services Agency is a single county agency that provides any combination of Public Health and Social Services throughout the county. New Hanover County Public Health is a fast paced environment comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of superior public health and public safety by providing services in the areas of nutrition, personal health, environmental health, school health, maternal health, child health, community health, counseling, epidemiology, lactation, health education and health administration. Ideal candidates for the Health department have an eye for detail, the ability to multi task and shift priorities seamlessly and an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, equity, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, and supports equitable and inclusive policies and growth opportunities. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC: New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.
* * * * Hours:
Scheduled hours for this position will differ based on the assigned shift. The selected candidates can expect to work up to 40 hours per week, working 10 hours per day, 4 days per week. Shifts will range from 10 AM until 11 PM.

Salary Information:
The hiring range for this position is $62,126 - $83,870.50 plus a one-time sign on bonus. Salary will be determined based on qualifications.

In addition to salary, selected candidates will receive 5% differential pay for all hours worked between 7:00 pm - 7:00 am.

Bilingual candidates are eligible to receive additional differential pay of 5% when performing Spanish language interpretation during the course of work.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity. Benefit options include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with 2.5% employer contribution deferred compensation, employee assistance program, generous paid leave, 12 paid holidays, and 100% employer paid long term disability. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, please click here.

Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire.

Please check out our careers page at for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)OR Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)
• Must be able to obtain Division of Criminal Information (DCI) certification through the NC State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) in addition to other state requirements.

Out-of-state candidates that hold a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license may be considered for hire but must apply to the LCMHC NC board to obtain an LCMHC license before being hired.
Provisionally licensed candidates may be considered. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with full licensure.

Must have excellent communication and decision making skills, and be able to work independently in a dynamic environment.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or
• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) or
• Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)

Provisionally licensed candidates may be considered. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with full licensure.

Out-of-state candidates that hold a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license may be considered for hire but must apply to the LCMHC NC board to obtain an LCMHC license before being hired.

Other Information

Application Deadline: This position is open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received through Friday , May 3, 2024.

Application Status:
Applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. Please be sure to check your email for this communication so we may proceed with the next step in the recruitment process in a timely manner. U pdates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.