BEHAVIOR HEALTH FIRST RESPONDER

Resources For Human Development; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

DailyPay

Insurance after 30 days

401(k) plan

Paid time off

EAP

Wellness programs

Referral bonuses

Training

Job summary

Resources for Human Development (RHD) Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum seeks a Behavioral Health First Responder for a Per Diem (PRN) role in New Orleans. You will respond to crises, assess needs, de-escalate, and connect individuals to services while coordinating with police and EMS.

Flexible schedule, community-based work, and opportunities to make a tangible impact on lives and neighborhoods are offered, with comprehensive benefits after a qualifying period.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
• OR High School Diploma with three years of lived experience
• Preferred Peer Specialist Certification
• Experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, or related settings

Responsibilities

• Respond in person to behavioral health-related 911 calls in the community
• Conduct behavioral health assessments for individuals in crisis
• Safely manage crisis situations and support de-escalation
• Provide psychoeducational services and crisis counseling
• Transport individuals to safer environments and facilitate admissions/referrals
• Collaborate with police, EMS, and first responders
• Complete documentation per requirements
• Represent the program at community events and outreach activities

Skills

Compassionate

Dependable

Calm Under Pressure

Team-Oriented

Service-Focused

Professional

Adaptable

Committed to Helping Others

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sociology/Social Work/Psychology/related field

High School Diploma with 3 years lived experience

Job description

BEHAVIOR HEALTH FIRST RESPONDER

Short Hour Professional New Orleans, LA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 10303

Help People Heal

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Resources for Human Development (RHD) Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum, we believe every person deserves access to compassionate support during life's most challenging moments.

We're seeking dedicated professionals looking for a flexible Per Diem (PRN) opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by responding directly to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. As a Behavioral Health First Responder, you'll play a critical role in connecting individuals to safety, support, treatment, and hope.

Whether you're an experienced behavioral health professional or bringing valuable lived experience to the role, you'll join a team committed to serving individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion while making a real impact every day.

About Resources for Human Development (RHD)

Resources for Human Development is a nonprofit organization committed to providing innovative services that support individuals in achieving greater independence, wellness, and quality of life. Through the Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum, our team delivers critical crisis intervention services in partnership with community stakeholders and first responders, ensuring individuals receive the support they need when they need it most.

Every day, our employees help strengthen communities by providing compassionate, person-centered services that promote recovery and resilience.

Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive Compensation
• DailyPay – Access Your Earned Wages Before Payday
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (for eligible employees) - after 30 days
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (for eligible employees)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Company-Paid Training

Meaningful Work That Matters

• Provide life-changing crisis intervention services
• Support individuals and families during critical situations
• Work alongside police, EMS, and fire/rescue personnel
• Build meaningful community partnerships
• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving lives

What You'll Do

As a Behavioral Health First Responder, you will:

• Respond in person to behavioral health-related 911 calls in the community
• Conduct behavioral health assessments for individuals experiencing crises
• Safely manage crisis situations and support de-escalation efforts
• Provide psychoeducational services, skills training, and supportive crisis counseling
• Transport individuals to safer environments, including bed-based levels of care when needed
• Facilitate admissions and referrals to treatment providers and community resources
• Collaborate with police, fire/rescue, EMS, and other first responders during behavioral health emergencies
• Conduct follow-up outreach to ensure individuals connect with needed services and supports
• Complete documentation in accordance with organizational, funding, licensing, and accreditation requirements
• Represent the program at community events and outreach activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Who We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

• Compassionate
• Dependable
• Calm Under Pressure
• Team-Oriented
• Service-Focused
• Professional
• Adaptable
• Committed to Helping Others

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Gerontology, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Criminal Justice, Theology, Nursing, Counseling, Education, or a related field

OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent with three (3) years of lived experience

Preferred

• Peer Specialist Certification
• Experience working in behavioral health, crisis intervention, human services, emergency response, or related settings

Schedule

• Per Diem (PRN) position
• Flexible schedule based on organizational needs
• Community-based crisis response role
• Availability to respond to behavioral health emergencies during assigned shifts
• May include evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and support during community-wide emergencies or disasters

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and assist individuals with limited mobility
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and climb stairs as required
• Ability to travel throughout the service area and operate agency vehicles
• Ability to work in uncontrolled community environments and various weather conditions
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

This emergency first responder position is performed primarily in community settings. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, loud environments, communicable diseases, agitated individuals, and other unpredictable field conditions. Team members must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in fast-paced crisis situations.

About Our Organization

Resources for Human Development (RHD) Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum is committed to creating opportunities for individuals to achieve greater independence and well-being through innovative, person-centered services.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Resources for Human Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.