Who We Are

Patient focused, community oriented, conveniently located and equipped with technology that rivals the nation’s most prestigious healthcare systems, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center offers a comprehensive and growing array of services delivered by caring and highly skilled medical professionals. We’re proud of the therapeutic and administrative upgrades we have made. Mountainside Medical Center has been serving Montclair and its surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The physicians, nurses and volunteers who are a part of the Mountainside family are your friends and neighbors. We're your community, your hospital and team, working hard for you.

Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center is proud to continue to provide world-class health care services in a community setting. Our 365 bed medical center has successfully transitioned from a stand-alone facility to being part of Hackensack Meridian Health, the most comprehensive and truly integrated network in New Jersey. Mountainside is a joint venture between Hackensack Meridian Health and Ardent Health Services, one of the country’s leading private hospital management companies.

We are looking for a dynamic and passionate Behavioral Health Crisis Counselor to join the Mountainside Team!

What You’ll Do

The Crisis Counselor will work with patients to assess for levels of risk to self/others, identify behavioral health needs, and coordinate interventions and referrals appropriately based on case review and determination by licensed provider.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Provide care to patients ranging in age from child (5 years) through geriatric (> 65 years)
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, recordkeeping, consultation and education for patients presenting to the Emergency Department/hospital with primary and/or secondary Behavioral Health needs
• Respond to requests by Emergency Department staff to evaluate patients either in person or virtually
• Provide Emergency Department, and Post-Partum Consultations, Intake Assessments, Crisis Counseling Interventions, Case Management, and Coordination of External referrals to appropriate behavioral health levels of service
• Consult with on-site or on-call provider to review cases, provide the necessary information to assist in determining the most appropriate level of care, and coordinate admissions, transfers, and referrals accordingly
• Review and process external behavioral health referrals for inpatient admission or outpatient appointments through the crisis call center
• Obtain pre-authorizations for inpatient behavioral health admissions
• Accurately document all clinical assessments, interventions, pre-authorization information and updates EMR documentation in EPIC appropriately.
• Adequately assess for and implement appropriate interventions to maintain patient safety on unit
• Perform any and all other duties assigned

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in psychology or human service related field required; Mental Health Screener Certification preferred
• Minimum 1 year experience working in behavioral health required; experience working in crisis or hospital setting preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrate knowledge of current computer systems, equipment or programs used in the organization, knowlegdge of Epic a plus

What We Offer

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with Company match
• Company paid basic life insurance and long term disability coverage
• Advancement and career development opportunities

Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.