Mental Health Back-up Worker Counselors

Individuals with expertise in the area of counseling. CONTACT maintains professional 24-hour Mental Health Back-Up Worker coverage at all times as a support for the Hotline Specialists.

DUTIES:

• To support Hotline Specialists in handling crisis/suicide situations
• To decide if intervention is necessary in an emergency situation
• To call local police department or 911 if necessary
• To support Hotline Specialists in other situations where they may need assistance to debrief after a particularly stressful call

PROCESS:

• A monthly back-up schedule is sent to each Mental Health Back-Up Worker two weeks prior to the first of the month
• Each Mental Health Back-Up Worker is scheduled for 4-5, 24- hour shifts per month
• During that 24- hour shift, the Hotline Specialist must be able to reach the Mental Health Back-Up Worker at all times.Home, work, andcell phone numbers are posted for this purpose
• Should the Mental Health Back-Up Worker not be available on the dates assigned, it is the responsibility of the Mental Health Back-Up Worker to switch shifts with another worker and to notify the office (732-240-6104) as soon as possible