Behavioral Health Emergency Service Clinician

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Behavioral Health Emergency Service Clinician

Behavioral Health Services

Hourly Pay Rate: $26.24 - $39.60

Closing Date: 12/18/2025 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

SIGN ON BONUS: $7,500

On-site clinical supervision provided to individuals with APSW or LPC-IT licenses

Job Summary: The Behavioral Health Emergency Service Clinician (BHESC) is a member of the Access Clinic team, tasked with assessment, crisis intervention, therapeutic follow-up, and resource linkage for individuals in crisis. This position will report to the Psychiatric Crisis Services Coordinator.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychosocial assessment of adults in crisis managing mental health and co-occurring needs. Regularly evaluate dangerousness to self and others.
• Provide therapeutic follow-up to adults navigating crises and address additional clinical issues as they arise, with regular assessment of risk. Follow-up will be focused on identified areas of crisis plan implemented, vetted, and proven therapeutic interventions.
• Assess for mental health symptoms. Support clients in managing crises through provision of coping strategies, therapeutic interventions, and connecting to appropriate community services based on clinical need.
• Create crisis plans with input from client and support(s) (when indicated), focused on problem resolution and improved coping strategies. Safety planning will be in response to suicide screening and risk assessment to identify supports and increased safety with lethal means.
• Consult supervisor, colleagues, and psychiatric team as clinically indicated to manage cases. Provide community and client/caregiver education regarding crisis management and mental health service. Participate in weekly supervision to manage caseload.
• Document service delivery consistent with County, state, and licensing requirements. Documentation includes, but is not limited to, therapeutic follow-up sessions, contact with patient, crisis planning and management, and resource linkage.
• Participate in required clinic and Milwaukee County meetings to ensure continued dialogue with colleagues, as well as remain up to date on relevant issues that could impact clinic or communities served.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid United States Driver's License, with the ability to obtain a Wisconsin Driver's License within six (6) months of hire.
• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a closely related field.
• Valid Wisconsin state licensure, free of limitations, OR able to provide proof of passed licensure exam in one of the following:
  
  
  
  • Advanced Practice Social Workers (APSW)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or (LPC-IT)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or (LMFT-IT)
  
  
  
  
• At least three (3) years of experience in crisis or clinical services.
• Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able and willing to travel within the community up to 5% of work time.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.