Crisis Intervention Specialist

Salary: $80,319.92 - $90,874.61 Annually
Location : Hutto, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Position Overview
Title: Crisis Intervention Specialist
Department: Police
Status: Full-Time
FLSA: Exempt
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under general supervision of the Crisis Support Specialist, the Crisis Intervention Specialist provides crisis services, education, assistance to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and supports to individuals' undergoing a mental health crisis. They also, conducts need assessments and referrals to appropriate treatment facilities and other social service agencies for individuals who are experiencing crisis, mental health impairments and/or chemical dependency needs.
This role works together alongside law enforcement agencies, first responders, such as EMS personnel, firefighters, medical staff, emergency rooms, schools, families, local mental health authorities, and social service organizations to support individuals in need.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responds to police-based calls for service in the community to provide triage, crisis intervention, assess needs, provides resources, and links with resources or treatment.
• Performs outreach activities to members of the community who are affected by behavioral health issues.
• Responds to, assesses and follows-up on referrals from law enforcement, partnering agencies, and community members relating to potential individuals in need of behavioral health intervention or resources.
• Engages in collaboration with internal partners within the Co-Responder Program, civilian personnel, law enforcement officials, police officers, and other sworn staff to enhance communication and provide effective responses to the community, particularly in relation to high-frequency program interactions and law enforcement contacts.
• Acts as the community liaison with community agencies, service providers, and mental health support systems.
• Provides training and education to law enforcement and other first responders relating to behavioral health services, de-escalation, and crisis intervention.
• Assists or links individuals with basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, health care, legal services, vocational services, substance use treatment, and psychiatric services, including inpatient services.
• Collaborates with community case management professionals to support individuals identified as high utilizers and communicate the plans to the appropriate personnel.
• Utilizes clinical practice guidelines and State of Texas of Behavioral Health, and Department of Regulatory Agencies guidelines and standards for appropriate service delivery.
• Participates in patrol briefings, de-briefings, ride-along with officers, and proactive community outreach while accompanying police personnel.
• Maintains and manages accurate and timely clinical records and data collection and documentation as required.
• Maintains training, education, and best practices by attending training, conferences, and other opportunities for continuing education.
• Prepares legal documentation for emergency and involuntary commitment processes.
• Evaluates individuals' need for involuntary emergency mental health treatment ("mental health hold") and places individuals on involuntary holds in accordance with applicable policies and proceedings.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and City attendance policies and procedures; ensures all behaviors comply with the City's Personnel Rules and Regulations.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
Master's degree or doctorate degree from an accredited university or college in psychology, social work, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, mental health counseling or related field.
Two years' experience in clinical social work, co-responder experience, victim advocacy, or therapy, including experience working with moderate to severe and persistently mentally ill populations. And/ or Two years 'experience working directly with individuals in crisis providing crisis interventions and/or in crisis conditions.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Texas Driver's License
Minimum Qualifications to Consider :
A Bachelor's degree in a human services discipline or an equivalent number of credit hours is required. The candidate must possess at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have completed a minimum number of credit hours equivalent to a major in one of the following fields: psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, special education, educational psychology, and/or early childhood intervention.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) or Spanish is preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles and practices of de-escalation, crisis intervention and management, case management, linking to services, and follow-up for individuals in crisis.
• Knowledge and Comprehension of the principles and practices outlined in the Texas Health and Safety Code.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of local community programs and services.
• Knowledge of risk and lethality assessment.
• Knowledge of coordination for emergency services when clinically indicated or medically necessary.
• Skill in maintaining electronic clinical records.
• Skill in effective communication and public speaking techniques.
• Skill in English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Skill in use of modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
• Ability to accompany sworn and support police personnel to calls for service relating to behavioral health, involving in-progress, crisis situations and follow-up contacts in field settings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to work in high-pressure environments and think critically to resolve issues. Proven experience in risk assessment and management.
• Ability to properly assess contacts and referrals to determine appropriateness for community-based services.
• Ability to make appropriate referrals and act as a liaison with community agencies, service providers, client support systems, law enforcement agencies, and partnering first responder agencies.
• Ability to participate in team meetings with Department work units, Municipal Court programs, multi-disciplinary meetings, and community meetings relating to the program and related services.
• Ability to participate in training law enforcement personnel and peer clinicians.
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert in co-response and de-escalation in crisis situations.
• Ability to exercise appropriate level of initiative and judgment to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Ability to operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prove capabilities to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues

CORE VALUES
This position requires an individual to align with and maintain the standard as set by our organization's Core Values:
Integrity- Communicating honestly, being accountable, upholding moral principles, and supporting our organization's values
Collaboration- Showing teamwork is equally as cherished as individual achievements by celebrating positive outcomes together
Consistency- Producing an accomplished standard of work in the workplace
Servant leadership- Actively listening to exert a positive influence
Mutual respect- Valuing opportunity, unique contributions, and each other
Forward-thinking- Considering needs, listening to team members, and thinking innovatively
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The working conditions involve the potential of high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress that require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at heights, working in construction sites, frequent/extended exposure to outdoor weather conditions, requirement to work in extreme weather conditions, subject to possible physical attack or mob conditions or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.
Must be able to lift upto 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance, sit, stand, reach, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, lift, twist, demonstrate manual dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, and see. The employee is required to work regular shifts, stay alert during prolonged periods of stationary or repetitive activity and to remain calm during stressful or possibly life-threatening situations.
At the City of Hutto we are committed to a comprehensive benefit program that helps our employees stay healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. We offer free medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability for employees, and the ability to purchase plans for family members. The City of Hutto also provides:

• 2:1 Retirement contributions at 7% to Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• 14-Paid Holidays
• Bilingual and Misceallenous Certification Pay
• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation Per Year
• Education Reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year
• Paid Sick leave
• Paid Parental leave
• Remote Work
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flex & Compensatory Time