Mobile Crisis Support Specialist

Common Ground is seeking a Mobile Crisis Support Specialist to be part of the Oakland Collaborative Crisis Response (OCCR) team. Work from the Bingham Farms office to deploy into Oakland County and meet people where they are, helping individuals move from crisis to hope.

About the role

As a member of the Oakland Collaborative Crisis Response (OCCR) team, the Mobile Crisis Support Specialist partners with a Mobile Crisis Clinician to respond in-person to crisis calls in Oakland County that cannot be resolved via phone through the Resource & Crisis Helpline. This role promotes and participates in activities that enhance recovery and resiliency of people in crisis, providing immediate, on-site support to individuals experiencing mental health crises and emotional distress. The specialist shares their experience, strength, and hope to ensure the safety and well-being of those served.

The team serves children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and families, as well as schools, neighborhoods, organizations, and businesses by providing up to 30 days of in-home crisis counseling to facilitate immediate stabilization of emotions and behavior. OCCR is supported by a crisis center, partnerships with local Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), and the Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC), which includes access to psychiatrists, nurses, and a continuum of crisis services.

Responsibilities

• Drive agency vehicle (or own personal vehicle) to community locations to respond to crisis calls
• Maintain reliable personal vehicle to drive to and from shifts and occasionally within the community
• Respond swiftly to crisis calls by utilizing GPS to navigate the community, aligning with program response times
• Conduct curbside safety assessments to identify potential risks and safety concerns for individuals or families in crisis, including risks of self-harm or harm to others
• Arrange or provide transportation, using an agency vehicle when appropriate, to ensure individuals are safely transported to designated locations
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all crisis interventions, assessments, and interactions with individuals served, utilizing strong typing skills to efficiently record information in real time
• Submit all electronic or hard copy documents that are complete, accurate, and signed prior to the end of shift
• Use Crisis Theory to provide short-term interventions to facilitate immediate stabilization of emotions and behavior
• Provide active crisis intervention that is welcoming, trauma-informed, brief, and solution-focused to adults/children presenting in distress
• Collaborate with individuals/families and their support systems to develop safety plans and identify coping strategies for managing future crises
• Educate and assist significant others and family members with the petitioning process, as needed
• Complete mobile assessments of crisis situations and the needs of the person/family
• Collaborate with local mental health agencies, hospitals, law enforcement, and other community resources to facilitate appropriate referrals and follow-up care
• Act as an advocate for the needs and rights of every person/family, including service providers and community agents
• Comply with federal, state, county, and agency regulations governing Intensive Crisis Stabilization and the delivery of specialty services and supports
• Provide first aid and emergency procedures, as needed

Requirements

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) OR Behavioral Health Crisis Professional, OR qualified to become a Behavioral Health Crisis Professional. For internal candidates only: meet criteria as a Behavioral Health Crisis Paraprofessional.

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Qualifications (Internal/External Candidates):

• High School Diploma or GED
• Michigan Certified Peer Support Specialist certification
• Valid Michigan Driver License with acceptable driving record regarding eligibility for insurability under Common Ground's insurance policy
• Relevant recovery experience, strongly preferred
• Previous experience in mobile crisis response, strongly preferred

Behavioral Health Crisis Professional Qualifications (Internal/External Candidates):

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services field
• Minimum of 1 year of experience treating or working with children, adolescents, and families in a behavioral health clinical, educational, or crisis intervention setting
• If hired, must complete Behavioral Health Crisis Provider Training (BHCPT) via Wayne State University in the prescribed timeline per Common Ground
• Completion of Behavioral Health Crisis Provider Training (BHCPT) via Wayne State University, if qualified to become a Behavioral Health Crisis Professional

Behavioral Health Crisis Paraprofessional Qualifications (Internal Candidates Only):

• Minimum of 1 year providing behavioral health support to adults and children experiencing serious emotional disturbance and/or developmental disabilities
• Willing to receive on-the-job training on mobile crisis services, de-escalation, and crisis intervention
• Valid Michigan Driver License with acceptable driving record regarding eligibility for insurability under Common Ground's insurance policy
• Previous experience in mobile crisis response, strongly preferred

Schedule

• Full-Time: 36 hrs/wk, 8a - 8p, Monday/Wednesday/Saturday
• Contingent: Various days depending on agency needs - shift may be 8a - 8p or 8p - 8a

Pay

$21.00 - $24.00 per hour (plus applicable shift differential)

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored benefit & wellness plans (including 16% fringe pay)
• Free Premium subscription to the CALM app
• Competitive pay
• Generous Paid Time Off to recharge and refocus

About Common Ground

Common Ground is a non-profit, mission-driven organization focused on helping individuals and families experiencing crises of any kind—from suicide to substance use, human trafficking, mental illness, and more. For over 50 years, we have been helping people move from crisis to hope by offering hope, healing, and recovery. Our team meets people wherever they are—in person, by call, text, chat, or virtually—to listen, assist, and advocate so no one feels alone.

Common Ground is one of the top-ten crisis intervention organizations in the country, with a culture of mental and behavioral health support for all employees.