Working/Functional Title
Crisis Counselor
Position Summary
Position Summary
The Center for Survivors is a confidential program at Michigan State University committed to survivor-centered, trauma-informed support. The Crisis Counselor provides timely, compassionate counseling and crisis intervention for individuals impacted by sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment. Working on-site as part of the therapy team, the Crisis Counselor offer short-term counseling, crisis assessment, emotional support, stabilization, safety planning, and connection to community and campus resources.
The Crisis Counselor works closely with advocated, nurses, and other Center for Survivors staff to provide coordinated, responsive support that honors survivor choice, safety, and dignity. In addition to direct clinical services, the Crisis Counselor serves as a resource and consultant to campus and community partners supporting survivors. The position maintains accurate clinical documentation and upholds ethical, professional, and legal standards related to confidentiality, informed consent, and record keep in accordance with applicable laws, professional practice standards, Michigan State University policies, and funding requirements, including those established by VOCA and VAWA.
Job Responsibilities
- Provides crisis assessment, stabilization, short-term counseling, safety planning, and intervention for adult survivors and co-survivors.
- Conducts initial appointments and crisis consultations to assess needs, concerns, risks, and urgent safety or mental health needs.
- Uses trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based approaches that honor survivor choice, support healing, and promote resilience, empowerment, and recovery.
- Connect survivors with information, options, and referrals for reporting, health care, advocacy services, Center for Survivors programs, campus resources, and community supports.
- Provides follow-up with clients and referral partners to support continuity of care, access to services, and survivor-defined goals.
- Collaborates and consults with advocates, nurses, Center for Survivors staff, and campus and community partners to provide coordinated, survivor-centered care.
- Supports Crisis Chat, Hotline, SACI, Volunteer Medical Advocate training, outreach, and other Center for Survivors initiatives as assigned.
- Assists survivors with Michigan Crime Victims Compensation applications as needed.
- Maintains timely, accurate, confidential documentation consistent with professional standards, funding requirements, university policies, and laws.
- Participates in consultation, supervision, staff meetings, and professional development.
- Maintains confidentiality, upholds ethical, professional, and legal standards, and performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
The job requires:
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
- Current State of Michigan Social Work license (LMSW) in good standing OR a current Limited License (LLMSW) in good standing with capability of being fully licensed within 3 years. Limited license holders must be supervised by a fully licensed Social Work (LMSW) until fully licensed.
- Compliance with Michigan state continuing education requirements to maintain licensure.
- One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience providing advocacy and counseling to survivors of sexual assault; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered services and building effective therapeutic relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Three or more years of experience providing counseling, crisis intervention, and/or mental health services to individuals impacted by trauma, violence, or other significant life stressors.
- Experience providing counseling services in a college, university, healthcare, community mental health, or other multidisciplinary setting.
- Experience with clinical documentation, record keeping, data collection, and grant reporting.
- Strong understanding of the dynamics and impact of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other traumatic experiences, including common trauma responses.
- Demonstrated empathy, active listening, and strong therapeutic communication skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to effectively manage a caseload, prioritize responsibilities, and work independently while meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrated professionalism, ethical judgment, self-awareness, and ability to establish and maintain appropriate clinical boundaries.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, advocates, nurses, and campus and community partners.
- Experience conducting risk/lethality assessments, safety planning, and crisis stabilization interventions preferred.
- Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate referrals and care across systems preferred.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Cover Letter
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://centerforsurvivors.msu.edu/
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 09/01/2026 at 11:55 PM
