Mobile Crisis Clinician (CSW, LCSW, ACMHC, CMHC)

About the Role

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research, and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality, and trust that are integral to our mission.

Responsibilities

• Immediately responds to deployment requests from Utah Crisis Line (988) dispatchers and/or 911 dispatchers for in-person crisis and behavioral health emergency situations, arriving on scene within 30 minutes of law enforcement requests and within 60 minutes of community member requests.
• Triage and prioritize community response based on highest acuity behavioral health emergencies at the direction of MCOT dispatchers.
• Act as a mental health officer of the Salt Lake District Court to assess patients’ risk of harm to self/others and determine if involuntary commitment criteria is met for further assessment and/or hospitalization, following provided training and certification.
• Engage with patients, family/friends, other first responders (including law enforcement/EMS), and individuals on scene to coordinate crisis intervention and collaborative emergency care.
• Follow behavior management, de-escalation strategies, and crisis intervention protocols and procedures.
• Develop and implement individualized crisis response and safety plans, coordinating with community partners on contingency plans for behavioral health crisis escalation.
• Assess and provide for patients’ behavioral health and social needs through connection to appropriate levels of care and community referrals.
• Attend safety training involving local law enforcement, University of Utah Health Safety and Security, situational awareness, risk assessments, and response to potential on-scene weapons or illegal substances.
• Provide practicing oversight to Social Service Workers, Certified Social Workers, Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselors, and/or interns in accordance with Utah state law.

Qualifications

• Hazmat Training within 30 days of hire.
• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system, obtained within 30 days of hire.
• One of the following licenses:
  • Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) certificate for clinical practice in the State of Utah.
  • Current license to practice as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the State of Utah.
• *Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with community resources, instructing and supervising Social Service Workers, Certified Social Workers, Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselors, interns, and/or other caseworkers.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• May exert up to 50 pounds and consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects while providing patient care.
• Requires manual dexterity, balance, eyesight, and hearing.
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, adverse weather conditions, communicable diseases, and possible verbal and physical abuse.
• Outreach and engagement may occur in locations not intended for human habitation.
• Will drive a mobile unit vehicle or other department-provided vehicle; personal vehicles may be used with mileage reimbursement for shift-related driving.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with external partners while maintaining confidentiality.
• Clinical competency and resource knowledge to meet changing services, community, and industry trends.
• Strong problem-solving, detail-oriented, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change.
• Ability to assess and stabilize individuals across different ages, developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, and experiences.
• Proficiency in de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to assist patients and families with treatment adjustments, including coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.