Crisis Counselor - Associate License

Overview

Our Commitment to EquityThe Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

The Crisis Counselor provides comprehensive, short-term crisis outreach services to youth, young adults, and families in King County experiencing a mental health or behavioral emergency. The Crisis Intervention Specialist supports clients through a team approach. The teams are made up of case managers, Parent Partners, and Youth Peers and collaborate to successfully stabilizes the initial crisis, provide intensive support, and link the client and families to ongoing formal and informal support systems.

This position is with the Y Social Impact Center, the social services division of the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS), serving around 5,000 youth, young adults, and families every year in communities across King County, Pierce County, and various counties across WA. Through our programs we aim to strengthen young people’s ability to develop to their fullest potential through four strategies : reducing risk factors; navigating systems towards successful life transition; establishing stability, safety and wellness in times of crisis; and building competencies and social capital. The Social Impact Center’s programs include homelessness prevention, housing, behavioral health, crisis response, foster care licensing, violence prevention, and employment. Since many of the young people we serve have been involved in the foster care, criminal justice, behavioral health, and / or homelessness systems, we truly value relatable lived experience of our staff and those applying for our positions as an asset. This position is based in South Seattle, with locations in Kent and Auburn.

What You Will Get From Working at The Y

Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance

Retirement with generous employer contributions

Free access to mental health resources

Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)

Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services.

• Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Hiring Range Associate License : $77,969 - $79,000 annually

Responsibilities

Works as part of a team to provides immediate, short term, acute crisis intervention services to families in South King County (Kent and Auburn) to prevent out of home care and psychiatric hospitalization for children and youth.

This position provides services in homes, schools and other community locations allowing for flexibility and creativity in the work.

Provides 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.

Develops Action Plans to address priority needs and makes treatment recommendations that are sensitive to the family's cultural, social, and mental health needs.

Works with families to help them advocate with systems, access community resources, identify and utilize natural support and use ef fective problem-solving techniques.

Code of Conduct for Applicants ()

Qualifications

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field, preferred current WA State Licensed Mental Health Counselor Af filiated (LMHCA), Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFTA)

One or more years post-graduate experience providing short-term mental health services to youth and families f rom a broad range of 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 attention to details, timelines, and follow-through.

Ability to meet with clients at home and in the community. Proof of adequate vehicle

insurance coverage is required, or ability to travel to areas without public transportation.

Ability to maintain a flexible schedule and work evenings and weekends.

Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical activity, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.

Authorized Driver Requirement

This role transports clients as an “authorized driver” for the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS) using an employer-provided vehicle. Driving duties for this role are Required.

YGS Driving Record Standards

Within the last three (3) years : No more than two (2) vehicle related suspension(s) and / or reinstatement(s). No more than two (2) moving violations and / or accidents. Moving violations include, but are not limited to, the following :

Within the last five (5) years : No Major Violations which include, but are not limited to, the following :

Driving records that result in Permanent disqualification from driving duties :

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you :

Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.

Are very adaptable.

Have high ownership and strong work ethic.

Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.

Truly enjoy being of service to people.

Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.

Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.

OUR MISSION

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

OUR VALUES

Respect

Responsibility

Honesty

Caring

Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment . Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check in accordance with Washington's Fair Chance Act. Please download and review the below resources for more information :

( i ) The updated 2025 requirements of 49.94.010 :

(ii) The WA attorney general's Washington fair chance act guide for employers and job applicants :

If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to recruiting@seattleymca.org.