CHILDRENS HOME ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS·Peoria, Illinois
The counselor performs psychiatric screenings and provides crisis intervention services via the MCR Crisis Program and Community Crisis Line. They coordinate hospitalizations and community resources while maintaining detailed documentation and building community partnerships.
CHAIL is a youth, family, and community focused 501(c)(3) organization with multiple locations and 450 staff, located in Peoria, IL. For over 160 years CHAIL has been helping the kids and families who need it most. Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) is the largest social service agency for youth and families in downstate Illinois. The services we provide don’t just impact the individual child, they create positive ripple effects within their immediate family, neighborhood, community, and world by providing an opportunity to thrive.
Here at CHAIL, employees experience a “People First - Culture of Care” working atmosphere.
From the most tenured staff to the newest team member, everyone is welcomed into a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, wellness, belonging, and good health.
Starting with our CEO/President and migrating to every employee, this agency takes pride in taking care of each other.
We believe if our employees are cared for, they can better live out the mission of the agency which is to help the kids and families who need it most.
By putting our people first at CHAIL, they have the opportunity to share their expertise, talents, and passions with clients as they are changing the lives of the kids who will change the world.
Our employees at CHAIL will tell you that they love working for the agency because they love what the agency does!
On a daily basis, a Mobile Crisis Response Counselor will be available to complete psychiatric screenings and communicate with clients, families, and other mental health professionals the need for hospitalization, or the resources that will support the client and client’s family in the community.
The ability to understand the hospital admission and transportation process to the many hospitals in the state is essential for this position.
Distinct challenges with this position include being able to problem solve in a variety of crisis situations, prioritizing tasks and resolving critical matters, and communicating effectively with clients, their families, and community partners.
A Crisis Counselor provides crisis intervention services through a variety of services, including the MCR Crisis Program, the Community Trauma Team, and through the Community Crisis Line.
A Crisis Counselor needs to project a positive image of the program and agency and use good judgment.
Completion of documentation will need to be done on a daily/weekly basis.
A Crisis Counselor provides the client, the client’s family, or mental health professionals with a sense of direction and/or hope in a crisis situation. This position also requires active engagement and participation in the Community Crisis Line Services. Members of the MCR Crisis Team are expected to be flexible with scheduling and to help ensure every psychiatric screening is covered. It is expected that members of the MCR Crisis Team also help to provide trainings both internally and externally, advocate for our crisis services, and help build meaningful connections in the community regarding the services we provide.
CHAIL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
A bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is required. Candidates must have experience working with multi-problem youth and the ability to transport themselves and clients to various locations.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.
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