POSITION SUMMARY:
The Mental Health Crisis Responder will see clients in the community, at the hospital, in schools, and at the agency. They will be part of an on-call response team that also follows up with the crisis clients on an outpatient basis. This position reports to the Clinical Director and is supervised by the Clinical Director and Medical Director.
The incumbent provides on-call emergency responses to assess and evaluate the mental health status of the individual(s) of concern. Based on their assessment of the circumstances and evaluation of the person of concern, the crisis responder will the appropriate next steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the patient (e.g., transfer to the emergency local department for further assessment and observation, detox, inpatient hospitalization, their home environment with a safety plan, etc.). The Mental Health Crisis Responder may also co-respond with the police when necessary.
This position is scheduled in shifts, Sunday through Monday, 8am-11pm. The shifts assignments vary based on the crisis responder’s individual commitment agreement.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Provide on-call coverage to address the needs of behavioral health patients, including mental health evaluations, assessing and securing in-patient placement in addition to other placements (e.g., detox, crisis stabilization units, etc.), safety planning, and referrals to therapy/medication management.
· Expected to be on call and be available to respond in person, within one hour, to all crisis calls.
· Expected to have seven 15-hour shifts per two-week period for an average of 3.5 shifts per week.
· Assess clients and make provisional diagnoses based on DSM-5 criteria.
· Facilitate conversations between engage clients and their support systems in conversations about their treatment.
· Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss the care plans.
· Locate beds, obtain insurance authorizations and releases of information update facilities on an ongoing basis, and follow up with any clients discharged to the home.
· Collaborate with community partners.
· Co-respond to crisis incidents with local police as needed.
· Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team within the agency and external care team partners.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE QUALIFICATIONS:
· Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling required.
· Massachusetts licensed (or licensure-seeking) in LCSW, LICSW, LMHC, or APRN required. LICSW or LMHC (independent licensure) required within 2 years of hire.
· 2+ years of Mental Health crisis experience required and experience in mandated reporting/safety planning are preferred.
· Knowledge and experience of evidenced-based and trauma-informed approaches to those with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders.
· Familiarity with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis required.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
· Knowledge of mental health crisis response protocol and best practice, as well as safety assessment tools
· Ability to document clearly and to professional writing standards,
· Timely documentation.
· Excellent communication skills required.
· Excellent time management skills and ability to meet professional obligation deadlines.
· Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
· Ability to provide appropriate psychosocial interventions.
· Ability to issue a Section 12(a) preferred.
· Must be highly organized and motivated.
· Excellent collaboration skills required, including the ability to receive constructive and supportive feedback.
· Ability to engage with and relate positively to diverse clientele, with a commitment to ever-growing cultural competency
· Valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation required.
· Spanish and/or Portuguese speaking fluency is preferred; other languages are a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
· Professional office environment.
· Sits at a desk for extended periods of time and performs work sitting at a computer.
· Requires ability to be physically active (i.e., walking, driving, standing, sitting) when responding to crisis situations in the community.
· Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity for computer keyboarding and office equipment use.
· Visual ability to review detailed schedules and information.
· Physical ability to move around office area repeatedly throughout the day.
Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000
For more information, please forward contact information, cover letter and resume to careers@fairwindscenter.org