Crisis Outreach Assessment Team (COAT - Maple) Direct Support Crisis Specialist – (Northern) Region – (Newberg) Area

About the Role

The Crisis Outreach Assessment Team (COAT) within the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) provides 24-hour residential care to Oregonians with intellectual/developmental disabilities, often with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. The program supports individuals whose needs exceed those offered by other community-based residential programs, assisting them in safely transitioning back to their home community. SACU offers health and medical supports, psychological services, emotional and behavioral support, educational supports, life skills training, recreational opportunities, and community integration.

This position is a float role within the Northern Region (Newberg area), requiring flexibility to report to areas needing support, including covering callouts, vacations, or requests for COAT assistance. The schedule for this role is Thursday through Monday, with flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support in a 24/7 residential group home to children and adults, including:
  • Behavioral management and safety
  • Personal care and nutrition
  • Housekeeping and health care
  • Daily activities within the home and community
• Serve as part of a mobile Crisis Outreach and Assessment Team (COAT) to respond to crises in homes, build rapport with supported individuals, and provide crisis support.
• Assist with access to health, medical, and psychological services.
• Provide life skills training, recreational opportunities, and community integration.
• Follow behavior and mental health supports and/or medical orders.
• Monitor and assist individuals experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or medical challenges.
• Engage in crisis response and intervention.
• Document and communicate information using computer systems.
• Work within a team to achieve common goals and resolve conflicts professionally.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record (meeting ODHS SACU Driving Policy qualifications).
• Eighteen months of experience providing direct individual care or training in a related human services field (e.g., assisting individuals or groups with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental/physical disabilities, or substance abuse). OR
• An Associate or higher-level degree in a related human services field. OR
• A combination of education and experience as defined above.

Experience Note: Paid or unpaid caregiving experience (e.g., volunteering with seniors, children, or people with disabilities) may qualify. This includes activities such as attending medical/psychiatric appointments, medication assistance, personal care, grocery shopping, housework, cooking, and transportation. Lived experience (e.g., caring for a family member) may substitute for up to 6 months of the required experience. All experience must be documented in your application materials.

Essential Attributes

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to follow instructions, document information, and interact with others.
• Experience resolving conflicts professionally and timely.
• Computer skills for documenting and communicating information.
• Ability to work within a team to achieve common goals.
• Experience following behavior/mental health supports and/or medical orders.
• Experience monitoring or assisting individuals with mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or medical challenges.
• Experience with crisis response and intervention.

Working Conditions

• Extensive travel within the assigned region; remote work at multiple group homes.
• Work in a 24/7 residential group home environment.
• Exposure to diverse settings within group homes and the community.
• Potential exposure to individuals who are justice-involved or experiencing crisis, which may include significant emotional or physical behaviors.
• Frequent daily lifting up to 75 pounds (e.g., transferring, positioning individuals, or moving supplies).
• Frequent squatting, bending, and stooping.
• Ability to engage in Oregon Intervention System (OIS)-approved restraints for up to one hour, involving quick movements, physical positioning changes, and verbal communication with coworkers.
• Travel to different work locations to ensure effective crisis response.

Certifications and Training

If offered the position, you will attend a three-week paid in-person training in Salem and must become certified in:

• First Aid/CPR (requiring compressions in a kneeling position).
• Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification (requiring physical restraint of individuals for safety).
• Medication Administration Certification (demonstrating competency in completing doctor’s orders, passing medications, documentation, and emergency procedures).

Background Checks

• Criminal history and background check (adverse results may lead to disqualification).
• Drug testing for narcotics, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
• Verification of U.S. work authorization via the I-9 form and E-Verify.
• Driving record must meet ODHS SACU Driving Policy qualifications (no misdemeanor or felony traffic offenses in the last 24 months).

The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship.

Pay

Salary range: $4,519 - $5,712 per month. This position is part of the Police and Fire pension plan, allowing retirement with full benefits after 25 years of service. The listed salary is the non-PERS qualifying range (AA-Rate); PERS-qualifying candidates will receive an additional 6.95%.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments and annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the salary range).
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Access to ODHS Employee Resource Groups for shared learning.
• Resources and benefits through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.