Crisis Worker

About the role

As a Crisis Worker on Thresholds’ Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), you will respond to mental health crises in the Uptown, Lakeview, and North Center communities, acting as an alternative to or in conjunction with hospitalization or police response. Each shift involves answering calls to our crisis hotline, conducting safety assessments, and determining the appropriate response—whether connecting the caller to services or providing face-to-face intervention with a Peer Engagement Specialist. Interventions occur year-round in all weather conditions and may include distributing basic necessities like first aid items, water, or warm clothes. After responding, you will offer follow-up support and document services provided. During downtime, you can focus on professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Answer crisis hotline calls and conduct rapid safety assessments to determine needed response.
• Provide face-to-face interventions in community settings (e.g., homes, workplaces) with a Peer Engagement Specialist, using the least restrictive approach possible.
• Assist individuals in crisis with interventions ranging from de-escalation (e.g., panic attacks) to hospitalization support.
• Distribute basic necessities (first aid items, water, warm clothes) to individuals in crisis.
• Offer follow-up support tailored to client needs and document all services provided.
• Engage in professional development and community outreach during downtime between calls.

Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary for prolonged periods and occasionally traverse long distances or multiple flights of stairs.
• At least 23 years old with a valid driver’s license (daily vehicle access preferred).
• Passion for mental health advocacy and strong communication, problem-solving, writing, time management, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

Eligible education and experience paths include:

• High school diploma or GED and 5 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience.
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

Schedule

• Friday & Saturday: 6:45 AM – 3:15 PM
• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: 2:45 PM – 11:15 PM

Pay

Competitive base rate: $26.50 – $30.00 per hour (based on education, experience, and licensure).

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Dental, vision, and three medical insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Public service loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Free clinical supervision for licensure (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC).