Job Description

The Crisis Therapist, under the direction of the Mental Health Department Manager, is responsible for addressing all crisis needs and calls within the facility. This position responds to crisis calls as they arise, screening and assessing residents for precautionary status and coordinating further psychiatric evaluations when medically necessary. The Crisis Therapist also assists with initial assessments to ensure that compliance timeframes are met, including the development of safety plans for youth at the time of admission.

Unlike Clinical Therapists who maintain caseloads, the Crisis Therapist does not carry ongoing cases or provide individual therapy sessions. Instead, the role is dedicated to immediate intervention, prevention, and resolution of crises. The Crisis Therapist is encouraged to participate actively in peace circles facilitated by operational leadership and to contribute to mentoring initiatives that support youth development and conflict resolution.

The overall focus of the Crisis Therapist is to provide timely intervention services designed to prevent and de-escalate incidents, reduce cycles of violence and retaliation, and support a safer environment within the facility. This is achieved through the application of evidence-based practices, including effective de-escalation strategies and intentional rapport-building with youth in crisis.

Required Tasks

• Conduct on-the-spot assessments of youth presenting with acute behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric concerns.
• Screen residents for suicide risk, self-harm, or precautionary status upon admission and during crises.
• Complete and assist operations with resident and staff debriefing forms.
• Assess and make recommendations to the Mental Health Department Manager regarding crisis prevention services at the Juvenile Detention Facility.
• Provide brief interventions focused on stabilizing the residents and preventing escalation.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Interact with residents to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
• Counsel the residents in crisis prevention, mental health, physical abuse, social adjustment, medical care, etc.
• Complete safety and soothing plans for all youth admitted to JDF, as needed.
• Assist with the development and monitoring of behavior plans if applicable to youth.
• Document all crisis interventions, assessments, and safety plans in JAIS or other approved systems.
• Coordinate and communicate with clinical therapists assigned to youth’s caseload.
• Participate in pod conflict discussion, peace circles, and debriefings.
• Assist the clinical department with medication consent.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• A Master's Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or a related degree from an accredited college or university; AND
• Licensed by the State of Michigan as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, Limited Licensed Psychologist, or Limited Licensed Master Social Worker - Clinical designation; AND
• At least 2 years of experience providing therapeutic treatment/intervention to youth.

• Work experience in a Juvenile Detention environment is preferred.

Special Conditions:
Candidates must obtain MDHHS Central Registry clearance and Children's Protective Services History clearance, as well as any state that the candidate has lived in outside of Michigan.