Crisis intervention Specialist II

Initial compensation for this position ranges from $34.61 - $42.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and internal equity considerations. Additional differentials: 8% for LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, PsyD, and select Peer Certifications; 7.5% for qualified bilingual positions.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility starts on day one
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401K employer match up to 4%
• Competitive time-off plans

About Our Program

PSS1 is a 60-day program with a Professional Parent component designed to provide a comprehensive integrated service model for children/adolescents at risk of out-of-home placement, abuse, and neglect. Services are tailored to support children and families represented in the Child Welfare System. The program serves the highest acuity youths in the county, with a 30-minute response time and 24/7 crisis stabilization support if needed or approved by DFCS.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 12:30 pm - 9 pm

Job Summary

Within a team process, develops a strength-based relationship with clients in the context of a mental health or behavioral crisis. Intervenes with individuals presenting with crisis behaviors including agitation, aggression, active psychosis, suicidal ideation, and/or self-injury. Takes on an increased leadership role on the Crisis team, coaching and training other Crisis staff on essential and advanced skills such as facilitating crisis trainings, shadowing new crisis intervention specialists, and coaching de-escalation techniques.

The position requires shift-based work responding to community or Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) emergencies from individuals, community partners, law enforcement, or family members. May involve joint response with law enforcement, screening for dangerous situations, weapons, and other high-risk environmental factors. Responsibilities include linking to community resources, locating and engaging natural supports, and assisting with transitioning or transporting individuals to the lowest level of care needed. Works independently in clients' homes and various community or treatment settings. May require certification in restraint protocols.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates mastery of Crisis Intervention Specialist I skills by supporting the MH crisis hotline, modeling and coaching others in gathering information, supporting callers, and identifying crisis needs. May provide phone stabilization and resourcing as needed.
• Provides crisis assessment and de-escalation for adults or youth experiencing acute mental health or behavioral crises, including those presenting a danger to themselves or others.
• Trains others on information gathering and decision-making related to involuntary psychiatric holds under Lanterman-Petris-Short laws and regulations.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of providing direct billable mental health services, documenting in alignment with MediCal regulations, and meeting productivity expectations.
• Exhibits advanced knowledge of coaching others in the use of the electronic health record and maintaining audit-ready progress notes.
• Models expert techniques for engaging and supporting family members and natural supports during acute psychiatric crises, including psychoeducation on de-escalation strategies and securing home environments.
• Coaches others in transporting individuals on 5150 holds, providing clinical information to accepting hospitals or CSU/psychiatric facilities, and ensuring client safety until transport arrives.
• Assists individuals in identifying triggers, unmet needs, and psychosocial factors contributing to ongoing crises. Develops comprehensive risk management and safety plans using a strengths-based approach.
• Provides linkage, referrals, and resources based on identified needs, including mental health services, substance use services, housing supports, and additional social services.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of relevant experience as a Healthcare/Medical - Social Worker, or equivalent combination of education and experience (two years of relevant experience equals one year of education).
• Ability to speak, read, and/or write another language may be required for some programs/areas.
• Must remain physically fit to ensure client safety, including the ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, taste, or smell as needed.
• Ability to move quickly or run and drive a car.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May require certification in restraint protocols.
• If employed at a Neurodevelopment Services location, must pass a Human Performance Evaluation Test, including testing for lifting, pushing/pulling, repetitive coupling, static weight, and other required movements.
• Driving may be required. May have unsupervised contact with children, requiring a full background check and TB exam.

Skills

• Conflict Resolution
• Clear and accurate documentation
• Customer focus
• Initiative
• Time Management