Mobile Crisis Response Allied Responder (PRN)

About the role

The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) provides 24/7, community-based, in-person behavioral health crisis response throughout Lewis and Clark County, Jefferson County, and Broadwater County, responding to mental health, substance use, and co-occurring crises across homes, public spaces, schools, shelters, healthcare settings, and other community locations. MCRT operates as an interdisciplinary team, typically pairing a licensed clinician with an allied responder (peer support, community health worker, EMT, master’s-level trainee, etc.). Together, team members assess safety and needs, de-escalate crises using trauma-informed approaches, stabilize individuals in the least restrictive setting possible, and connect individuals to appropriate ongoing supports.

Responsibilities

• Respond to community crisis calls as part of an interdisciplinary Mobile Crisis Response Team.
• Provide a calm, supportive, trauma-informed presence during crisis events.
• Use intentional self-disclosure of lived experience (if applicable), when appropriate, to foster trust, hope, and connection.
• Engages with the patient, family/friends, other first responders, and other individuals on scene to coordinate crisis intervention and collaborative emergency care.
• Engage individuals using active listening, empathy, validation, and strengths-based approaches.
• Support de-escalation, grounding, and stabilization efforts in collaboration with the clinician.
• Aid individuals in articulating needs, preferences, and goals during crisis encounters.
• Advocate for individuals’ expressed preferences and choices during interactions with systems and providers.
• Support development and reinforcement of individualized safety plans.
• Provide system navigation and connection to community-based resources and supports.
• Assist with warm handoffs and follow-up engagement, as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with clinicians, law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, and community partners.
• Document services in accordance with role-appropriate standards, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct proactive outreach and rounding in identified community hotspots during periods of low call volume, in coordination with dispatch and community partners, to support early intervention, relationship-building, and crisis prevention.
• Participate in team debriefs, supervision, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Assist with screening of risk of harm to self or others utilizing standardized tools.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and support.
• Collaborate with therapist responders to engage individuals and families.
• Aid in the development and document individualized safety plans.
• Coordinate transportation when needed, prioritizing non-law-enforcement options when clinically appropriate.
• Provides coordination of care and linking to appropriate treatment services to meet the needs of the individual.
• Testify in court in civil commitment cases if required.
• Provide consultation to families, friends, and other providers of care to persons in acute distress.
• Complete clinical records and reports according to established policy and procedure.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with members of the community, including but not limited to law enforcement and first responders.
• Cooperate with law enforcement members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Provide follow-up services for clients after a crisis within 2 business days and for up to 14 days following a crisis to check on referrals and identify further needs.
• Aid in identifying and accessing community-based resources, natural supports, and follow-up services.
• Provide follow-up support, in person or remotely, as appropriate.
• Maintains a valid Montana driver’s license with clear driving record.

Requirements

• 1-3 years related experience preferred.
• Experience in a crisis setting preferred.
• Relevant lived experience and/or community-based human services/mental health experience strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist, Family Peer Support, Community Health Worker, EMT, Addiction Counselor, or equivalent or ability to obtain strongly preferred.
• Current and active American Heart Association BLS required.
• Valid Montana driver’s license required with clear driving record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Enrollment in a master’s program in social work, counseling, psychology, public health, or related field preferred.