Crisis Professional

North Central Health Care; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

North Central Health Care in Wisconsin is seeking a Crisis Professional to provide crisis intervention, assessment, and stabilization across multiple counties. You will assess risk, determine appropriate care, and coordinate referrals to services to ensure client safety and continuity of care.

The role involves direct contact via in‑person, phone, and community settings with a focus on de‑escalation, short‑term follow‑up, and collaboration with healthcare partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, or related field.
• Must have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and ability to use a personal vehicle.
• More than 1 year experience in direct care or behavioral health.
• Ability to stay calm and effective in high‑risk, emotionally charged situations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments in person, by phone, and in community settings to evaluate risk and determine appropriate level of care.
• Screen for suicide, self‑harm, homicidal ideation, psychosis, and substance use using evidence‑based tools.
• Develop and implement safety plans and provide short‑term follow‑up for client stability.
• Triage and coordinate admissions to inpatient, crisis stabilization, detoxification, or outpatient services.
• Provide crisis counseling, emotional support, de‑escalation, and coping strategies to individuals and families.
• Gather collateral information from medical records, family, law enforcement, and other providers to inform decisions.
• Facilitate voluntary and involuntary admissions, coordinating with psychiatrists and legal authorities.
• Respond to mobile crisis calls in the community, homes, schools, hospitals, and facilities.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Risk assessment

De-escalation

Clinical judgement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services/Psychology or related field

Master’s degree in Human Services/Psychology or related field

Job description

Crisis Professional Opportunity

The Crisis Professional provides crisis intervention, assessment, and stabilization services to individuals of all ages experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises across Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties. Services are delivered via phone, in‑person, and in community settings. This role conducts comprehensive risk assessments (including suicide, self‑harm, homicidal ideation, psychosis, and substance use), determines the least restrictive appropriate level of care, and coordinates referrals to other services. The Crisis Professional serves as a central point of coordination among healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners to ensure safety and continuity of care.

Job Details

Compensation And Benefits

• Starting pay range from $29.91 to $31.70 for Bachelor’s candidates and $33.00 to $35.93 for Masters candidates, depending on experience. In addition, there is $1.50/hr shift differential for 2:00pm-10:00pm hours and $2.50/hr shift differential for 10:00pm-6:00am hours.
• There is 1 role available with the hours of 1:00pm – 11:00pm, working 4 days in a 7 day period.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on‑site bistro and cafeteria, pharmacy, newly updated facility, life insurance, accident insurance, hospital insurance, employee assistance program, and employee discounts.
• As a full‑time employee of NCHC, you are eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, or another related field with a preferred one year or work in a related field.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.
• Must meet and continue to meet all requirements for insurability under the organization’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be authorized to operate any vehicle and transport clients, patients, or staff as required by the position.
• More than 1 year experience working in direct care or behavioral health.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high‑risk, unpredictable and emotionally charged situations.
• Strong clinical judgement and critical thinking skills.

Preferred

• More than 1 year in a role directly handling crisis situations.
• Formal crisis intervention training.

What a Crisis Professional Does At NCHC

• Conduct comprehensive crisis assessments in‑person, by phone, and in community settings to evaluate risk and determine appropriate level of care
• Screen for suicide, self‑harm, homicidal ideation, psychosis, and substance use using evidence‑based tools and clinical judgment
• Develop and implement safety plans and provide short‑term follow‑up to ensure client stability in the community
• Triage and coordinate admissions to inpatient, crisis stabilization, detoxification, or outpatient services
• Provide crisis counseling, emotional support, de‑escalation, and coping strategies to individuals and families
• Gather and analyze collateral information from medical records, family, law enforcement, and other providers to inform clinical decisions
• Facilitate voluntary and involuntary admissions, including coordination with psychiatrists, medical providers, and Corporation Counsel (Chapter 51/55)
• Respond to mobile crisis calls in the community, including homes, schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities
• Conduct jail assessments to determine suicide watch status and clearance for incarceration
• Provide after‑hours Adult Protective Services response, including screening referrals, conducting welfare checks, and determining protective needs
• Serve as a liaison with community partners, including law enforcement, emergency departments, and other mental health providers
• Operate crisis and warmline services, providing immediate support, resources, and referrals
• Complete accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with regulatory standards
• Respond to behavioral health emergencies and assist with safety interventions, including use of least restrictive measures and restraint when necessary
• Support after‑hours operations, including switchboard coverage, safety monitoring, and facility communication
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Working Environment And Physical Requirements

• Frequent exposure to individuals experiencing emotional distress, agitation, or behavioral crises
• Occasional exposure to hostile situations
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and travel frequently throughout the workday

About North Central Health Care

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high‑quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.