Crisis Support Staff

Under the supervision of the Program Administrator of LifePath Systems Crisis Center, the Crisis Support Staff’s primary responsibility is to oversee the daily needs of individuals served at the Crisis Center through service excellence.

About the role

This position assists with direct observations and support for individuals with a mental health diagnosis admitted to LifePath Systems Extended Observation Unit (EOU) and Crisis Respite Unit (CRU). The Crisis Support Staff supports overall wellness and recovery, provides communication to clinical providers, and coordinates needs of individuals and the units. They deliver direct care and interventions using person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate practices while maintaining center standards and programmatic parameters.

The role requires assessing and determining appropriate direct care practices, tracking progress toward recovery goals, and thorough communication and documentation. It involves extensive internal and external contacts with persons served, family members, significant others, internal staff, service providers, practitioners, and community partners. The Crisis Support Staff is an integral part of the Interdisciplinary Team process.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and interventions, including transportation and assistance with daily living skills.
• Check individuals in and out of the crisis center and monitor safety.
• Perform medication monitoring, vital signs, specimen collections, and behavior redirection.
• Supervise individuals’ daily activities.
• Complete 15-minute observation checks for EOU and 60-minute checks for CRU, with documentation per State requirements.
• Document issues or incidents and notify the Nurse on duty, Supervisor, and/or Program Administrator immediately.
• Follow agency procedures for incident reporting.
• Document changes in mood, behaviors, and medication side effects/needs.
• Observe self-administered medications.
• Assist individuals with community activities, outings, and unit milieu activities.
• Comply with and enforce State regulatory requirements and agency policies and procedures.
• Use trauma-informed, person-centered language in all verbal and written communication.
• Document progress or lack of progress toward recovery goals in daily notes.
• Document all meals eaten and missed; encourage healthy eating habits.
• Answer inbound telephone communications.
• Adhere to all driver responsibilities by following established agency policies and procedures.
• Assist with check-in and check-out processes for individuals admitting or discharging from the units.
• Perform room checks as needed.
• Assist with data collection for units.
• Complete other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the clinical team, nursing, and/or prescriber.

Expectations include timely and thorough documentation, time management and organization skills, effective communication, and participation in daily treatment team meetings.

Specific Targets

• 100% of observation rounds are complete and accurate in real time.
• 90% of service notes are signed within 2 business days of service.
• All documentation is uploaded in the individual’s chart within 2 business days 90% of the time.
• Data collection and entry is completed daily on shift and accurate.
• All required trainings are completed prior to the due date.

Due to the Crisis Center operating 24/7, employees may be required to work on center holidays if the holiday falls on their scheduled workday. In the event of unforeseen circumstances requiring the use of Paid Time Off, employees must notify their supervisor within 4 hours of their regularly scheduled work time. If bilingual and receiving a stipend, the employee will be available to translate for other staff as needed and will utilize approved language in the provision of services.

Schedule

Sunday–Tuesday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum one year of experience in a behavioral health or substance use disorder center or facility.
• Experience in customer service.
• Experience working with individuals with dual diagnoses of mental health and intellectual/developmental disability strongly preferred.
• Certification as a Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, or Recovery Support Peer Specialist strongly preferred.
• Reliable transportation and a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Bilingual (Spanish) highly preferred.

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to remain calm and helpful in high-stress situations.
• Enhanced knowledge and ability in crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work with individuals in acute behavioral health, substance use, and/or intellectual and developmental disability crises.
• High level of advocacy, arbitration, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to work independently with or without limited supervision.
• Ability to work on a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to learn patient care techniques and behavioral health programs.
• Ability to read, carry out verbal and written instructions, and communicate effectively in emergencies.
• Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid or CPR, and follow a Medication Administration Record (M.A.R.).
• Ability to administer the correct dosage of medication after training.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow a menu.
• Ability to learn behavior modification techniques for individuals with specific behaviors.