Mobile Crisis Specialist

The Mobile Crisis Specialist (MCS) reports to the Program Supervisor or designee and is a direct-service paraprofessional position requiring specific knowledge of mental health and skills in crisis intervention and stabilization. The MCS is responsible for responding to crisis calls that require face-to-face intervention with individuals and families in the community while collaborating with first responders. The MCS is expected to work as a member of a mobile crisis team. The MCS shall be in compliance with all state, federal, and mobile crisis regulations and accreditation, in addition to all PCS policies and standards of practice maintaining the highest level of professional conduct and ethics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Receive referrals for mobile response and respond within designated program timeframe directly to the individual(s) in crisis for assessment and acute stabilization.
• Participate in consultation with clinical staff to ensure effective and ethical decision-making.
• Manage difficult or emotional individual situations and can accurately identify the need for consultation and back-up support.
• Implement short-term follow-up plans or stabilization and transition plans as developed by the Mobile Crisis Clinician.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with individuals, their support system, first responders, Potomac Community Services (PCS) staff and community agencies to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Establish and maintain trust relationships with individuals, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• The MCS works as a member of an interdisciplinary team, as well as with members of community agencies.
• Implement a person-centered approach to develop a follow-up and stabilization plan based on the needs, strengths, and current support system of the individual.
• Participate in team meetings, team case coordination, and shift change communication.
• Work short-term with clients to learn or regain skills for crisis stabilization (including safety planning, coping skills, and harm reduction) utilizing deliberate skills training which typically includes staff demonstration, feedback, prompting, and cueing.
• Complete training and documentation as required by policy, regulation and accreditation bodies.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns PCS Core Values and demonstrate the application of these values through all areas of work.
• Shares knowledge and resource information with coworkers and other PCS staff.
• Acts as liaison for PCS with community agencies and other local mental health agencies and providers, promoting positive and effective communication.
• Attends and participates in all scheduled monthly staff meetings.
• Attends all PCS events as scheduled.
• Safeguards the confidentiality of records in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations governing confidentiality.
• Promotes PCS internally and externally in positive and professional manner.
• Utilizes PCS resources and equipment appropriately and efficiently, including but not limited to PCS laptop, phone and vehicles.
• Maintains good working relationship with other staff members/supervisors and contributes to positive work environment.
• Maintains safe driving record and self-awareness for safety purposes.
• Maintains confidentiality of staff, clients, and PCS business practices.
• Completes all necessary trainings and adheres to all policies as required by the local hospital in accordance to the appropriate county.
• Adheres to all PCS published policies including but not limited to: Time & Attendance, (tardiness, absences) and Dress Code (including wearing company ID Badge).
• Records time using the approved payroll system, completing calendar as required, in an accurate and timely manner.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office and community environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines. In addition, familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and any additional programs or equipment used to execute specific tasks as required for the role.
• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The ability to sit, stand, walk, and climb are a requirement for this job. An employee must possess the ability to crawl, crouch, kneel, and stoop while performing job functions. Employees are required to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds during the workday. Workers must be able to use their hands and arms for gross and fine -motor activities throughout the workday. Gross-motor activities include, but are not limited to, picking, pinching, and touching. Fine-motor activities include, but are not limited to, seizing, holding, grasping, and turning. Employees are required to be able to use fine and gross-motor skills concurrently. In addition, employees are required to work around individuals in the community where unfamiliar people are present, and movement may be restricted.

Education and Experience:

• Mental Health or another Human Services Field with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with individuals that have behavioral/mental health diagnoses.
• Peer Recovery experience or certificate, preferred.
• Crisis and/or de-escalation experience, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of crisis intervention principles and techniques including ability to assess crisis situations for safety and security.
• Ability to provide goal-oriented crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Flexibility in schedule to include rotating evening and weekend hours while having the ability to work independently and prioritize daily schedule to best address the needs of clients.
• Knowledgeable regarding community resources related to mental health, case management, and stabilization.
• Professional with excellent communication skills, written and verbal including but not limited to responding to requests for assistance and support.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid Driver’s license, dependable transportation of a 4-passenger vehicle and vehicle insurance.