Crisis Care Specialist

Paycom - ATS; Brunswick (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway CSB is seeking a Direct Service Specialist to provide crisis intervention and recovery-oriented support in a behavioral health setting. You will assist with admissions, transitions, and ongoing observation while promoting a No-Force-First environment.

The role requires two years in behavioral health, a valid Georgia driver’s license, and adherence to HIPAA and CPI standards. This position may involve varying shifts including evenings and weekends to support emergencies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum two years in behavioral health; crisis services preferred.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain required certifications and competencies.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services.
• Monitor behavior and report significant changes to the team.
• Assist with admissions, transfers, and transitions.
• Document clinical, incident, and operational activities accurately and timely.
• Maintain a safe, recovery-oriented environment; observe and intervene as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team; communicate safety concerns.
• Support transportation and community-based activities as assigned.
• Participate in required trainings and competency validation.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

De-escalation techniques

HIPAA confidentiality

Documentation systems

Observation & reporting

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Professional communication

Calm under crisis

Policy compliance

Flexibility in shifts

Safety & security principles

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer applications

Electronic health records (EHR)

Job description

Job Summary:Under general supervision, provides direct support, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety services to individuals receiving crisis stabilization and behavioral health services. Functions as a leader in promoting a No-Force-First recovery environment through therapeutic engagement, observation, crisis response, and support strategies designed to reduce the use of restrictive interventions. Assists in maintaining a safe, secure, and recovery-oriented environment for individuals, visitors, and staff.Essential Functions:Provides and promotes a No-Force-First, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed treatment environment.Assists with admissions, discharges, transfers, and transitions of individuals receiving services.Conducts ongoing observation and monitoring of individuals and reports significant changes in behavior, functioning, or condition.Provides support and encouragement to assist individuals in achieving recovery goals and community integration.Collaborates with individuals to build natural supports and strengthen meaningful life roles and relationships.Responds promptly and effectively to behavioral health crises and emergency situations.Implements verbal de-escalation techniques and other interventions designed to prevent escalation.Assists with restrictive interventions when necessary and in accordance with agency policies and CPI standards.Conducts room and environmental safety checks to identify and eliminate potential hazards.Ensures living and treatment areas remain clean, safe, organized, and conducive to recovery.Completes required clinical, incident, and operational documentation accurately and timely.Maintains awareness of individual treatment plans and behavioral support strategies.Communicates effectively with interdisciplinary team members regarding individual needs and safety concerns.Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and agency standards.Assists with transportation and community-based activities as assigned.Participates in required training, competency validation, and professional development activities.Performs other related duties as assigned.Required Knowledge & Skills:Knowledge of behavioral health recovery principles and trauma-informed care.Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.Knowledge of DBHDD service guidelines and applicable program requirements.Knowledge of law enforcement, safety, and security principles and procedures.Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and HIPAA regulations.Knowledge of CPI standards and behavioral intervention strategies.Knowledge of standard computer applications and electronic documentation systems.Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.Ability to remain calm and focused during crisis situations.Ability to adapt to changing environments and priorities.Ability to maintain professional relationships with individuals, families, staff, and community partners.Ability to observe, assess, and report changes in behavior and functioning.Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and safety protocols.Ability to accurately complete required documentation.Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.Ability to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergencies when needed.Primary Responsibilities, but not limited to:Crisis intervention and de-escalation services.Behavioral observation and monitoring.Safety and security support.Admission, discharge, and transfer assistance.Documentation and record maintenance.Recovery support and skill-building activities.Environmental and room safety inspections.Interdisciplinary team collaboration.Emergency response and incident support.Consumer advocacy and engagement.Competencies:CommunicationAccountability and ResponsibilityCooperation and TeamworkCustomer ServiceDependabilityFlexibilityInitiativeCrisis ManagementSafety AwarenessProfessionalismJudgmentStress ManagementQuality of WorkProblem SolvingRequired Education & Experience:High School Diploma or equivalent.Minimum two (2) years of behavioral health experience; crisis services experience preferred.Valid Georgia driver’s license.Ability to obtain and maintain all required certifications and competencies.Upon appointment to the position, the employee assumes responsibility for meeting and maintaining all minimum qualification requirements, including applicable certifications, licenses, continuing education, competency validations, and mandatory annual or recurrent training. Failure to maintain such requirements may affect eligibility to perform assigned duties.Additional Requirement:A Direct Service Competency Checklist must be completed as part of the new hire onboarding process.Driving Requirements:If driving is required for this position, the employee must meet all requirements outlined in the agency driving policy.If not qualified to drive under agency policy, a Non-Driver Attestation Form must be completed and maintained.Supervisory Responsibilities:None.Work Environment:This position may work in an office environment, crisis stabilization setting, behavioral health facility, or community-based setting. Employees may have contact with individuals experiencing behavioral, emotional, psychiatric, substance use, or cognitive challenges. Work may include travel throughout the service area and may require responding to emergency situations.Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.Frequently walks, sits, stands, and kneels.Occasionally climbs, balances, bends, and stoops.Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds.Frequently utilizes fine hand-eye coordination, hearing, and visual acuity.May perform tasks involving significant movement of the hands, wrists, and fingers.Must be able to physically intervene, when required, in accordance with training and agency policy to maintain safety.Must be able to respond rapidly during behavioral health emergencies.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Gateway CSB promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through mandatory pre-employment drug testing.Terms & Conditions:Reports to work when scheduled and begins and ends work as expected.Reports anticipated tardiness or absence to the supervisor.Observes policies regarding meal and break periods.Uses work time appropriately and efficiently.Requests and utilizes leave appropriately.Maintains a professional appearance in accordance with site dress code requirements.Observes health, safety, and sanitation policies.Performs work according to all applicable rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.Ensures certifications and required competencies remain current and active.Ensures compliance with required training, including new employee orientation.Does not engage in activities other than official business during work hours.Does not report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Adheres to Gateway’s Standards of Conduct 3.13 and Employee Ethics 3.23.May be required to remain at or return to work during agency incidents or emergencies and may work non-traditional schedules as necessary to support agency operations.Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.