Crisis Intervention Specialist

Marion County Sheriff's Office; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marion County Sheriff's Office seeks a Crisis Intervention Specialist trained in crisis intervention to assist deputies on calls involving mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and elder affairs.

The role focuses on identifying individuals in crisis, providing field intervention, directing placement, and coordinating follow-ups, while maintaining communications with victims, families, and partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field with at least two years’ relevant experience.
• Familiarity with Baker Act, Marchman Act, and mental health treatment procedures.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; able to follow instructions and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Abide by the Marion County Sheriff's Office Code of Ethics.
• Perform crisis intervention at the scene for victims on a 24-hour basis.
• Support deputies, crisis negotiators, and SWAT during crisis incidents.
• Maintain on-scene communication with victims, families and friends.
• Provide emotional support and follow-up with victims.
• Offer information on court processes, victims' rights, and victimization aspects.
• Attend patrol and detective briefings; coordinate with mental health and social services.
• Provide referrals to appropriate agencies and assist in obtaining safety plans.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Effective communication

Documentation

Confidentiality

Interagency coordination

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science

Job description

The Crisis Intervention Specialist is trained in crisis intervention and will respond to assist deputies on calls involving mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, homeless persons, and elder affairs. The Crisis Intervention Specialist is specially trained to identify persons with mental health illnesses, providing compassionate field intervention, provide information to locate appropriate placement, and coordinated follow-ups. In addition, team members provide safety information to the law enforcement community regarding mental health issues and serve as a Sheriff’s Office liaison to the providers of crisis intervention services

Duties:

• A. Abide by the "Marion County Sheriff's Office Code of Ethics".
• B. Perform crisis intervention at the scene for victims of violent crimes (including survivors of suicide and homicide incidents) on a 24-hour a day basis.
• C. Provide support and assistance to deputies, crisis negotiators, and S.W.A.T. members that involve crisis intervention.
• D. Maintain contact and open communications with the victim, family and/or friends on scene
• E. Provide emotional support and follow-up contact with the victims.
• F. Provide basic information regarding court process, victim’s rights, and various aspects of victimization.
• G. Attend patrol and detective briefings.
• H. Work in conjunction and maintain open communication with the criminal justice community, mental health, substance abuse and social service agencies, with consent of the victim and/or witness to provide continuity in the handling of each case.
• I. Provide information and referrals for services to appropriate agencies and organizations.
• J. Provide information to victims and/or witnesses about available assistance during preliminary investigations, such as compensation programs and emergency financial assistance.
• K. Assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining emergency shelter, protective orders for injunction and follow up to provide information for safety plans.
• L. Provide periodic crisis intervention training to members of law enforcement.
• M. Provide information to law enforcement that will allow them to make practical decisions on persons known to have mental illness,
• N. Assist law enforcement officers with death notifications as requested.
• O. Offer assistance services to Agency employees and their families following line-of-duty deaths or serious injury. Also assist employees when they have a death in their family, when appropriate.
• P. Provide victims and/or witnesses with the case number and telephone number(s) that may be used to report additional information about their case or to receive information about the status of their case, when requested.
• Q. Assist in initial interviews and interactions between the victim and the investigating officers when requested.
• R. Be alert for conditions or situations which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency and make recommendations for solutions.
• S. Assist Victim Advocate, Juvenile Intervention Specialist or Senior Intervention Specialist in the performance of duties as necessary.
• T. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during declared emergency or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.

JOB PREREQUISITES:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field, and at least two years’ work experience working with, or assisting persons with mental illnesses, substance abuse or with similar human service needs.
• Be familiar with laws and procedures pertaining to the Baker Act, Marchman Act, and mental health treatment.
• Effective communication and documentation skills are essential.
• Ability to follow instructions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle confidential matters without compromising confidentiality.
• Ability to organize own work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the position.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the public and Agency personnel.
• Maintain a valid Florida’s driver’s license.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand for extended periods of time. See and hear at normal range. Requires the ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time, the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to (10) pounds, routine keyboarding operations. Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently. Ambulate independently. Lift/carry 50 pounds. Bend and squat. Manual dexterity.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff’s Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. Nothing in this job description prevents management from assigning different or additional duties or modifying the job description at any time.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.