Community Crisis Response Specialist I

Seattle CARE Department; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Seattle’s CARE Department is hiring Community Crisis Responder I to be the first-line responder on the Community Crisis Response (CCR) Unit. These positions report to a Community Crisis Responder Supervisor and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide rapid crisis assessment and intervention.

Responders will handle mental health and substance-use crises, coordinate services with public safety partners, and document case notes while complying with HIPAA and city policy.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with individuals with mental, substance abuse, behavioral, or emotional health concerns.
• Current Washington State driver’s license.
• Background, fingerprint, and reference checks required.

Responsibilities

• Provide rapid response and crisis intervention to individuals who have come to the attention of Seattle 9-1-1.
• Assess urgent needs related to substance use disorder, mental illness, environmental threats, and personal safety to determine best course for care.
• Recommend to persons in crisis appropriate governmental and nonprofit supports or housing options.
• Support alternatives to jail and hospitalization to stabilize and improve outcomes.
• 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; document interviews and recommendations in HIPAA-compliant systems.
• Participate in departmental meetings providing insight and trend data.
• Collaborate to determine client eligibility for programs and authorize recommended services.
• Develop relationships with service providers and Seattle first responders to ensure quality care.
• Manage internal projects and caseload initiatives as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain communication with City departments and partner agencies; conduct site visits as needed.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Written communication

Active listening

Cultural sensitivity

Education

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

Job description

The City of Seattle’s CARE Department is hiring Community Crisis Responder I to be the first-line responder on the Community Crisis Response (CCR) Unit. These positions report to a Community Crisis Responder Supervisor and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide rapid crisis assessment and intervention.

Responders will handle mental health and substance-use crises, coordinate services with public safety partners, and document case notes while complying with HIPAA and city policy.