Community Crisis Responder I

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Represented position

Step progression pay program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

City of Seattle is hiring Community Crisis Responders I to join the Community Crisis Response (CCR) Unit. Responders will be first-line crisis personnel, coordinating with supervisors and CCR teammates to deliver rapid assessment and care navigation during mental health crises, substance use concerns, and safety risks.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, at least 1 year of relevant experience, a Washington driver’s license, and must pass a background

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with individuals with mental health, substance use, or behavioral health concerns.
• Current Washington State driver’s license.
• Selected candidates must pass a background, prints, and reference check.

Responsibilities

• Provide rapid response and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis within Seattle 9-1-1 context.
• Assess urgent needs related to substance use, mental illness, environmental threats, and personal safety to determine care or referrals.
• Coordinate with governmental and nonprofit supports and housing options, including shelter and services.
• Promote alternatives to jail and hospitalization to stabilize outcomes for community members in crisis.
• Act as a liaison to coordinate services between community members in crisis and appropriate agencies; provide up to 30 days of care navigation.
• Prepare written status reports or case management notes, documenting interviews, observations, and recommendations in HIPAA-compliant systems.
• Participate in departmental meetings and share crisis intervention insights and trends.
• Collaborate with CCR team, supervisor, and leadership to determine client eligibility for programs and services.
• Develop and promote collaborative relationships with service providers and Seattle first responders.
• Manage internal projects or caseload initiatives as assigned and maintain communications with City departments.

Skills

Effective communication

Case investigation

Emotional intelligence

Respect for all persons

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field

Job description

Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) is hiring Community Crisis Responder I’s as part of the expansion of the Community Crisis Response (CCR) Unit. These positions will be responsible for being the first-line responder as a part of a team with other CCR team members and will report to a Community Crisis Responder Supervisor.

CARE manages Seattle’s 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency response, working with other Public Safety Departments, including Seattle Police and Seattle Fire, to ensure a safe and healthy community. CARE expands the city’s ability to enhance public safety through Dual Dispatch, which provides additional mental health professionals to respond to people experiencing non-violent mental health crises or quality of life concerns.

Seattle 9-1-1 processes more than 900,000 telephone calls for service annually, the majority of which result in the dispatch of police, fire, rescue, and Community Crisis Responders.

The CCR Units operate on shifts to ensure citywide coverage seven days a week. Community Crisis Responders will be scheduled for 40 hours a week with the potential for overtime.

• Provide rapid response and crisis intervention to individuals who have come to the attention of Seattle 9-1-1.
• Assess individuals to rapidly identify urgent needs related to substance use disorder, mental illness, environmental threats, and personal safety to determine best course for care or to recommend ongoing case management (medical care, substance use treatment, therapeutic support, etc.)
• Recommend to persons in crisis appropriate governmental and nonprofit supports and programs (such as SSI, ABD, VA services), or to identify shelter options and housing support.
• Support and promote alternatives to jail and hospitalization to stabilize and improve the outcomes for community members experiencing behavioral or mental health crises.
• Act as a liaison to coordinate services between community members in crisis and appropriate agencies; provide up to 30 days of care navigation to ensure appropriate service provision.
• Prepare written status reports or case management notes. Document interviews, observations, and recommendations in database, in compliance with HIPAA and department policy and ethical standards.
• Participate in departmental meetings providing insight and trend data concerning crisis intervention issues.
• Collaboratively work with other Community Crisis Responders, Clinical Supervisor, and Department leadership to determine client eligibility for programs and authorize and/or recommend appropriate services.
• Develop and promote collaborative working relationships with service providers and other Seattle first responders to ensure quality care for community members.
• Manage internal project/caseload initiatives as assigned by supervisor and CARE leadership.
• Maintain communication with City of Seattle departments and partner agencies and conduct site visits as needed to worksite agencies to ensure compliance with personnel and employment laws, practices, and procedures.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• A minimum of 1-year experience working with individuals with mental, substance abuse, behavioral, or emotional health concerns (or a combination of education and or training and or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
• Current Washington State driver's license.
• Selected candidates are required to pass a background, prints, and reference check.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Working experience with DSHS workers, chemical dependency treatment providers, mental health providers, healthcare providers, shelter providers, landlords, detox centers, medical clinics and other community programs which may support vulnerable participants.
• Effective communication skills including written, active listening, and non-verbal communication.
• Effective skills in case investigation and management, evaluation of facts/circumstances and clients and crisis management.
• High cultural and emotional intelligence. Strong commitment to dignity and respect for all persons.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is partly performed in a busy 24/7 call center environment.
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Required to work rotating shifts.
• Required to be exposed to adverse weather conditions.
• Exposed to toxic / hazardous / biohazard substances.
• Required to operate automotive vehicles.
• Required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work involves sensitive contact with people who are in crisis and / or may be utilizing substances.

Compensation and Benefits: This position is a Represented position and is part of the City of Seattle Step Progression pay program. The full salary range (Step 1-5) for this position is $43.12; $44.73, $46.43, $48.31, $50.33 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Application Process

• Complete the online City Application.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the above listed qualifications.
• Application Submission Guidelines: All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.

The required documents listed in the above 'Application Process' section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted.

Candidates selected to advance in the hiring process will receive an invitation for a panel interview.

Background Check Requirements

Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and successful outcome of the background investigation.

Race and Social Justice Initiative

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Who may apply

This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The CARE encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.