Crisis Co-Responder Therapist

Appalachian Community Services; Bryson City (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan (anthem)

HSA / FSA

Delta Dental

EyeMed vision insurance

Dependent Care FSA

401k / Roth IRA

Educational assistance

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Appalachian Community Services seeks a Crisis Co-Responder Therapist to join a specialized team serving western North Carolina. You will partner with law enforcement to de-escalate crises, perform on-site assessments, and connect individuals to behavioral health treatment, housing, and follow-up resources.

Requires a Master’s degree in a behavioral health field and NC licensure or eligibility, plus at least two years in behavioral health or crisis response.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a behavioral health field is required.
• North Carolina licensure or licensure-eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to behavioral health crisis calls with law enforcement and provide on-site clinical support.
• Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments addressing suicide risk, substance use, psychosis, and SDOH.
• Develop and coordinate care plans linking individuals to treatment, housing, and community resources.
• Document services and collaborate with partners to support ongoing care.

Education

Master's degree in behavioral health

North Carolina licensure eligible (LCSW-A/LCMHC-A/LMFTA or equivalent)

Job description

About UsAppalachian Community Services provides Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disability services to individuals, families, and communities within the seven western counties of North Carolina. We provide a wide range of walk-in, psychiatric, substance abuse, and crisis services to adults and children.About The RoleThe Crisis Co-Responder Therapist partners with law enforcement to respond to behavioral health crises in the community. This role focuses on de-escalating crises, conducting on-scene clinical assessments, and connecting individuals to appropriate community-based services and supports. The therapist may respond in real time with law enforcement or arrive after the scene has been secured, depending on the situation.This position is part of a specialized team aimed at reducing emergency department visits, arrests, and repeat law enforcement calls by offering immediate clinical intervention and short-term follow-up care.Position Highlights:Respond to behavioral health crisis calls alongside law enforcement, providing on-site clinical support and de-escalation once the scene is safe.Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments, addressing suicide risk, substance use, psychosis, and social determinants of health (SDOH).Coordinate care and service linkage, ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate behavioral health treatment, housing, and follow-up resources.This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.CompensationThis position is a fixed rate, with compensation aligned to role responsibilities, experience, and contract parameters.Compensation: $75,000What You Can ExpectRespond to behavioral health crisis calls with law enforcement and provide immediate support to individuals in crisis.Conduct on-site assessments for mental health concerns, suicide risk, substance use, and other behavioral health needs.Help de-escalate crisis situations and connect individuals with appropriate community resources and services.Provide short-term follow-up and care coordination to reduce repeat crises, emergency department visits, and law enforcement involvement.ResponsibilitiesRespond to behavioral health crisis calls in partnership with law enforcement and provide on-scene clinical support.Complete comprehensive crisis assessments to evaluate mental health, safety risks, and immediate service needs.Develop and coordinate care plans, connecting individuals to behavioral health treatment, housing, and community resources.Document services provided, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with community partners to support ongoing care.Education:Master's degree in a behavioral health field (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy), required.Licensure:Minimum of an Associate licensed in North Carolina (e.g., LCSW-A, LCMHC-A, LMFTA, or equivalent), requiredExperience:At least two years of experience in behavioral health, required.Experience working in crisis response, community-based services, or with law enforcement partnerships is a plus.Why Join UsWe are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You’ll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from our competitive benefits package to support you and your loved ones, provide work/life balance, and invest in your future. The list below is for informational purposes only.Consumer-driven health plan coverage provided by AnthemWellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete care support on your time through Sydney app (Anthem), with exclusive access to 24/7 access to licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists.Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for childcare.Generous paid time off401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by EmpowerFinancial planning and education services at no cost to youVoluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical StaffAdvancement and Career Development OpportunitiesLegal Notice:We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug-free workplace.#AC1