Crisis Responder

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:  CRISIS RESPONDER

REPORTS TO:  COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES DIRECTOR

STATUS:  EXEMPT

MAIN FUNCTION:
The Crisis Responder is responsible for providing 24-hour crisis coverage as part of the on-call rotation. This position is based out of O’Neill, Valentine, Ainsworth, and surrounding communities within the agency’s service area. This is a short-term service designed to assist individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis (e.g., suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, psychosis).

The Crisis Responder will screen, triage, and refer individuals to the appropriate level of care and services. The crisis program is designed to prevent hospitalizations and emergency protective custody by coordinating and implementing appropriate supports that allow individuals to remain safely in their community. The Crisis Responder plays a key role in facilitating these services and supports.

Peer Support Specialist Requirement:
Upon certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), the Crisis Responder will demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with peer support model requirements, including continuing education (CEUs), certification standards, and National Model Standards. The Crisis Responder will function as a role model to peers, demonstrate competency in personal recovery, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in this role.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide crisis support and intervention services in order to prevent a crisis, during a crisis and after a crisis has stabilized. This includes screening, triage, and safety planning. If hospitalization becomes necessary, facilitates in cooperation with all necessary parties (e.g., mental health professionals, medical facilities, domestic violence shelters, housing, substance abuse treatment, food banks, law enforcement, schools, families, inpatient providers) and assists with the client’s transition back into the community.


• Completes appropriate documentation in accordance with agency policy and procedures; this includes entering data into Heartland’s EMR system as well as the CDS.


• Connects individuals to necessary supports (both formal and informal) and community resources.


• Partner and participate in community meetings and other community engagement opportunities (e.g., collaborates with law enforcement agencies, attend emergency planning meetings) in order to be visible in the community and promote the Crisis Response Program as well as other programs of Heartland Counseling Services, Inc. as assigned.


• Provides community education services (e.g., schools, law enforcement, media, community meetings) as assigned.


• Demonstrates willingness to maintain flexibility and openness to new information through training and case consultation.


• Will be a part of the on-call rotation to maintain coverage of the crisis line 24/7/365.


• Maintains up to date client charts to include crisis encounters, screenings, and assessments.


• Attends scheduled supervisory, all-staff, and community-based staff meetings.


• Provides other community-based services as needed and meets a billable baseline for these services (e.g., Recovery and Peer Support) outside of crisis coverage.


• Provides services at other HCS locations as assigned, which may include travel.


• Completes all paperwork in accordance with agency policies and procedures.


• Implements screening tools as directed.


• Participates in community events as assigned.


• Participates in a committee as assigned.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to form cooperative and supportive relationships with staff/agency.


• Maintains ethics and confidentiality as dictated by profession.


• Maintains certifications as needed.


• Ability to form positive relationships with clients.


• Strong interpersonal skills in working with diverse


• Skills in verbal and written communication.


• Possess a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in the human service field or equivalent experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

Insurance & Health Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance


• Aflac Supplemental Insurance


• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Employer-paid Basic Life Insurance ($25,000)

Retirement:

• 401(k) Plan with employer match up to 3%

Paid Leave:

• Vacation Leave: Accrues at 10 days per year


• Paid Holidays: 8 days annually (available immediately upon hire)


• Sick Leave: Accrues at 12 days per year


• Paid Time Off (PTO): 4 days per year


• Training Leave: 3 days annually for professional development