Crisis Overdose Response Worker

About the role

Join our Montgomery County Overdose Response Team (MCORT) as an Overdose Crisis Worker, with an office based in Plymouth Meeting, PA. This unique role blends the skills of a Certified Recovery Specialist and crisis response skills, working in partnership with the Department of Public Safety EMTs. As an Overdose Crisis Worker, you will be a key member of the EMT team, responding immediately to individuals post-overdose and collaborating with other emergency responders. You will utilize your lived experience and skills to engage overdose survivors and support them in connecting to treatment, partnering with the Mobile Crisis leadership team to build effective relationships with substance use treatment settings and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Travel with a Department of Public Safety EMT, responding to calls in Montgomery County to engage with individuals who have overdosed on a substance
• Engage overdose survivors using person-centered skills, non-judgmental peer support, and motivational interviewing with consideration of treatment options
• Coordinate care and deliver a warm hand-off to medical professionals and to substance use disorder treatment professionals
• Communicate with Mobile Crisis leadership regarding follow-up care needs for individuals receiving overdose support and collaboration with other SUD treatment entities
• Provide de-escalation on scene as needed to support successful engagement and follow-up care
• Act as the point person for relational partnership with the Department of Public Safety Mobile Integrated Health team
• Keep required electronic health record documentation
• Provide on-scene assessment of level of care needed, and support individuals during medical assessment and evaluation
• Partner with other emergency responders on scene including police and EMTs; and partner with other professionals to identify treatment options for individuals willing to receive treatment
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, and work scheduled overtime, or be available for unplanned overtime as necessary, to meet program needs
• Travel during a normal workday to successfully carry out the expectations of this position (driving a personal or agency-owned vehicle)

Requirements

• Must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks and a driving history record
• Valid US driver’s license for at least two years (not including permit time)
• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years (e.g., DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents)
• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours with valid registration, inspection stickers, and auto insurance
• Ability to meet the Duty Statement for a Public Safety Essential Employee, including carrying out emergency assignments under adverse conditions for extended periods

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree or active CRS Certification required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Certification: Must meet one of the following:
  • Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification (preferred), or
  • Eligibility for CRS training and certification within 6 months of hire (requires lived experience of personal substance use recovery sustained over 18 months), or
  • Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) (preferred), or
  • Eligibility for CFRS training and certification within 6 months of hire (requires lived personal experience of substance abuse through a family member you’ve lived with and supported in pursuing recovery)
• Two years of training and/or experience in crisis intervention with adults, children, and families (preferred)

Skills

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn, electronic health records, workplace applications, platforms, and technologies
• Openness and curiosity to learning, developing new opportunities, and being shaped by new experiences
• Strong relational and engagement skills to support client intervention, including written and oral communication
• Ability to meet availability and hours commitment of an "essential employee" position, including evenings and weekends

Physical Demands

• Frequently stand, walk, drive, or ride in an emergency vehicle
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (including respiratory protection)
• Perform physically strenuous activities such as reaching above shoulders, bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, squatting, climbing stairs/ladders, and pushing/lifting objects 50+ pounds
• Work in noisy environments and adverse weather conditions

Schedule

Full-time, four 10-hour shifts (10 AM–8 PM) including Saturday, Sunday (rotating weekend shifts), and two weekdays. This is a client-facing, on-site role with no remote or hybrid options.

Pay

$21.00/hour

Benefits

• Health & Security: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; company-paid life insurance, disability protection, and catastrophic sick leave (Access Services covers up to 88% of health premiums, with many employees paying less than $150/month)
• Time to Recharge: Full-time employees earn nearly 6 weeks of paid time off in their first year (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with additional time accrued over tenure
• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts
• Built into the Job: Mileage and toll reimbursement
• Support Beyond Work: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including:
  • Counseling and emotional support (in-person, telehealth, and text therapy)
  • Financial and legal guidance
• Grow With Us: Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to advance across diverse roles and programs