BEHAVIOR HEALTH FIRST RESPONDER

Apis Services, Inc.; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

DailyPay

Medical Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

EAP

Wellness Programs

Company Training

Job summary

Resources for Human Development (RHD) – A-Team Allegheny County Mobile Crisis is hiring Behavioral Health First Responders to support individuals in crisis and connect them with treatment and resources. You’ll work with police, EMS, fire/rescue, and community agencies to de-escalate crises and ensure safety in local neighborhoods.

The role emphasizes compassionate, person-centered care, crisis intervention, and collaboration with local emergency services in Allegheny County.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with three years lived experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a vehicle.
• Ability to work in community-based crisis settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Respond in-person to behavioral health calls received through 911 dispatch.
• Conduct behavioral health assessments for individuals in crisis.
• Safely manage and de-escalate crisis situations in community settings.
• Provide crisis counseling, psychoeducation, skills training, and supportive interventions.
• Transport individuals to safer environments when appropriate.
• Facilitate admissions and referrals to behavioral health resources.
• Collaborate with police, EMS, and other first responders during emergencies.
• Complete required clinical and administrative documentation.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree (Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, etc.)

High School Diploma with 3 years lived experience

Job description

Help When It Matters Most Behavioral Health First Responder (BHFR)

Allegheny County, PA

Full-Time

DailyPay Available

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Resources for Human Development (RHD) – A-Team Allegheny County Mobile Crisis, we provide immediate, compassionate support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in the community. We are seeking dedicated and resilient professionals to join our team as Behavioral Health First Responders (BHFRs).

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact by responding to behavioral health emergencies, supporting individuals and families in crisis, and working alongside first responders to connect people with the care and resources they need.

Whether you're an experienced behavioral health professional, a peer specialist, or someone with lived experience who is passionate about helping others, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference every day.

About A-Team Allegheny County Mobile Crisis

The A-Team Mobile Crisis Program provides immediate, community-based behavioral health crisis intervention and support throughout Allegheny County. Working in partnership with 911 dispatch, emergency service providers, and community resources, our team responds directly to behavioral health crises where and when help is needed most.

Our mission is to de-escalate crises, connect individuals to appropriate treatment and supports, reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and incarcerations, and promote recovery through compassionate, person-centered care.

Every day, our team helps individuals find hope, safety, and pathways to recovery during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Why Join Our Team?

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

Career Growth & Development

• Paid Training Programs
• Crisis Intervention Experience
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Certification Opportunities
• Leadership Development Programs
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Meaningful Work That Matters

• Respond directly to behavioral health emergencies
• Support individuals and families during times of crisis
• Partner with police, EMS, fire/rescue, and community agencies
• Help connect people with treatment, housing, and community resources
• Promote recovery, safety, and hope
• Make a lasting impact in your community

What You'll Do

As a Behavioral Health First Responder, you will:

• Respond in-person to behavioral health calls received through 911 dispatch.
• Conduct behavioral health assessments for individuals in crisis.
• Safely manage and de-escalate crisis situations in community settings.
• Provide crisis counseling, psychoeducation, skills training, and supportive interventions.
• Transport individuals to safer environments, including bed-based levels of care when appropriate.
• Facilitate admissions and referrals to behavioral health and community resources.
• Collaborate with police, EMS, fire/rescue, and other first responders during behavioral health emergencies.
• Conduct follow-up contacts to ensure individuals are connected to treatment and supports.
• Complete required clinical and administrative documentation.
• Represent the program at community events and outreach activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Who We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

• Compassionate
• Calm Under Pressure
• Adaptable
• Team-Oriented
• Solution-Focused
• Professional
• Service-Driven
• 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 years of lived experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a vehicle within the program's service area.
• Ability to work effectively in community-based and crisis-response environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Preferred

• Peer Specialist Certification.
• Experience working in behavioral health, crisis intervention, recovery support, social services, emergency response, or community-based care.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Non-Exempt Position
• Flexible scheduling required
• Evenings, weekends, holidays, and alternate work locations may be required based on operational needs
• Must be available to respond to community-based crisis situations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift.
• Ability to assist individuals with limited mobility.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to drive throughout the service area.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely perform job duties in uncontrolled community environments.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

About Our Organization

Resources for Human Development (RHD) is a mission-driven human services organization dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities live with dignity, independence, and self-determination. Through innovative and person-centered programs, RHD provides community-based supports that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Employment for this position is administered through Apis Services, Inc., a member of the Inperium family of companies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apis Services, Inc., Inperium Inc., and affiliates provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This policy of nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.