Crisis Counselor - Associate License, South King

Crisis Counselor – Associate License, South King County Job Summary

The Y Social Impact Center, the social services division of the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS), seeks a Crisis Counselor to provide comprehensive, short‑term crisis outreach services to youth, young adults, and families in King County who are experiencing a mental‑health or behavioral emergency. In a team-based approach that includes case managers, Parent Partners, and Youth Peers, you will stabilize the initial crisis, provide intensive support, and connect clients to ongoing formal and informal support systems.

• Provide immediate, short‑term acute crisis intervention services to families in King County to prevent out‑of‑home care and psychiatric hospitalization for children and youth.
• Conduct services in homes, schools, and other community locations, allowing for flexibility and creativity in the work.
• Perform short‑term individual and family stabilization services and resource linkage, including risk assessments, safety planning, parenting skills training, behavior management, de‑escalation training, and brief counseling.
• Develop Action Plans to address priority needs and make treatment recommendations that are sensitive to the family’s cultural, social, and mental‑health needs.
• Help families advocate with systems, access community resources, identify and utilize natural support, and use effective problem‑solving techniques.
• Provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field (preferred).
• Current Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHCA), Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFTA) preferred.
• At least one year of post‑graduate experience providing short‑term mental‑health services to youth and families from diverse cultures and social needs.
• Registered counselor in Washington.
• Training and experience in individual, family, and group treatment modalities.
• Strong engagement and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to work in a team‑management approach.
• Strong organizational skills with an eye for details, timelines, and follow‑through.
• Ability to meet with clients at home and in the community; proof of adequate vehicle insurance or ability to travel to areas without public transportation.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends; within 30 days of employment or first available training.
• Within 30 days of employment: complete required training and licensing requirements.
• Within 120 days of employment: finalize license status and clinical approvals.

Associate License Compensation: $80,168.40 annually

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement plan with generous employer contributions.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Rapidly‑accruing paid time off (PTO).
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs.

To transport clients, you must be an authorized driver for YGS using an employer‑provided vehicle. You must meet the following criteria:

• 21+ years old.
• Possess a driver’s license for at least 3 years.
• Pass a drug screen that tests for impairing substances (including marijuana).
• Maintain a driving record within the last three (3) years that includes no more than two vehicle‑related suspensions or reinstatements and no more than two moving violations or accidents.
• Within the last five (5) years, no major violations (e.g., DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI, or any felony driving convictions).
• Failure to meet these standards may result in permanent disqualification from driving duties.

• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Adaptability and resilience.
• Ownership and strong work ethic.
• Problem‑solving and quick thinking.
• A passion for serving people.
• Desire to contribute to building a better, stronger community for all.

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.