CRISIS RESPONSE CLINICIAN -SMART

Center for Health Care Services; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health support organization in San Antonio is looking for a Crisis Response Clinician to provide direct services in response to mental health crises. The role involves collaboration with law enforcement and EMS to de-escalate situations and connect individuals to essential services. Ideal candidates will have a graduate degree in a behavioral health field and three years of relevant experience. Bilingual candidates are preferred. This position demands strong crisis intervention skills, effective communication, and the ability to function within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Must complete QMHP-CS within six weeks of hire.
• Three years experience in behavioral health is required.
• Valid driver's license and insurance are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical services and develop treatment plans.
• Document interactions in Electronic Health Record systems.
• Coordinate with public safety agencies on client welfare.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Mental health assessment

Customer service

Organization and time management

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Graduate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field

Tools

Electronic Health Record systems

Applicable software applications

Job description

General Summary

Crisis Response Clinicians (CRC) work in collaboration with public safety agencies, including law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), under the guidance of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC). As part of this team, the CRC responds to 9‑1‑1 mental‑health related calls, serving as the subject‑matter expert in triage, assessment, de‑escalation, and care navigation. The clinician provides direct services for consumers and completes associated case management documentation for the consumer and program. CRC works within a multidisciplinary team to deliver an array of direct (face‑to‑face) and indirect clinical services to adults in a person‑centered, trauma‑informed, individualized approach utilizing evidence‑based practices delivered to fidelity. Services are provided in multiple settings, including field‑based services at the individual’s home or other identified locations as well as clinic‑based services. Individuals served may have multi‑system involvement such as Criminal Justice, Child and Adult Welfare, Veterans, Homelessness, etc.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Adheres to the established CHCS Employee Handbook, policies and procedures.
• Assesses the social determinants of health for each individual.
• Completes all CHCS and contract‑specific required documents in a timely manner and to standard.
• Complies with and participates in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement processes.
• Coordinates CHCS intake function.
• Coordinates coverage for planned absences in advance with supervisor.
• Documents all interactions in Electronic Health Record systems.
• Participates in after‑hours on‑call rotation, including weekends and holidays.
• Ensures clinical documentation is submitted in accordance with CHCS standards and contract‑specific requirements.
• Identifies and separates new and established patients and links patients back to assigned CHCS care manager or other behavioral health provider.
• Participates in coordination and communication with law enforcement and EMS team members on the progress of individuals receiving services and during linkage efforts.
• Participates in supervision and development opportunities, including individual supervision, group supervision, and meetings/training as assigned.
• Provides direct clinical services and assessments; develops treatment plans for consumers.
• Serves as the primary role to provide aggressive referral, linkage, and transition to the next level of care.
• May utilize own vehicle to support linkage efforts.
• May carry a caseload of at least 20 individuals, depending on team support.
• Monitors the progress of clients from initial referral/interactions until satisfactory progress is reached and service cessation is appropriate.
• Participates in an equitable rotation of on‑call shifts to ensure 24/7 crisis response coverage in accordance with Texas Administrative Code requirements.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Program Description

A collaborative effort with First Responders – San Antonio Police Department Mental Health, Bexar County Sheriff Office Mental Health, South Texas Advisory Council (STRAC), Department of Human Services (DHS), EMS Providers – San Antonio Fire Department Mobile Integrated Health Team (MIH) and Acadian Ambulance, aims to address 9‑1‑1 mental‑health related calls more effectively by responding with a trained multidisciplinary team to divert individuals experiencing a mental health crisis away from jail and emergency departments and instead to the least restrictive environment. The target population is high‑acuity patients with mental health, homelessness, and/or substance use issues. Cross‑training will cover the Integrated Navigation model, which performs teleassessments for bed placement and assists with escalated mental health crisis calls, coordination with CHCS liaisons, community entities, and linkage to CHCS services.

• Identify consumers currently being treated by CHCS and provide connection back to assigned CHCS case manager to ensure their mental healthcare needs are met.
• De‑escalate at the scene of a client in crisis by providing crisis intervention to reduce symptoms, provide education, and prevent admission to a more restrictive environment.
• Assist clients with accessing appropriate social services resources (housing, clothing, ID documentation, food, water, hygiene materials).
• Reduce the utilization of Emergency Detention Orders (EDOs) and assess for least restrictive environment.
• Serve as the primary role to provide aggressive referral, linkage, and transition to the next level of care.
• Reduce the utilization of emergency services when possible.
• Divert consumers from jail, emergency rooms, and hospitals.
• Route patients to their most appropriate level of care.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related behavioral‑health field, and at least three (3) years of experience in behavioral health or a related field.
• Complete the Qualified Mental Health Professional Community Services (QMHP‑CS) within six (6) weeks of hire or transfer.
• Must pass a CJIS background screening prior to placement (CORE & SMART; not required for all units/programs).

Licenses or Certifications

• See Preferred Qualifications.

Other Job Requirements

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage, be able to travel as needed, and meet the Company’s auto insurance carrier driving record requirements if a personal vehicle is used for company business.
• Must maintain required credentials and mandatory training requirements to ensure compliance with all state regulations and CHCS policies.
• Adhere to established CHCS Employee Handbook, policies and procedures.
• Must adhere to all agency, community and facility policies regarding harassment, discrimination, dress code and conduct in addition to the CHCS Employee Handbook, policies and procedures.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements to complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) and CPR training, including lifting up to 12 lbs. and supporting up to 55 lbs.; bending, stooping and getting on and off the floor without assistance.
• All consumer‑facing employees of CHCS must take NCI courses facilitated by the CHCS Training team within the first 45 days of employment.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) is intended to support human service professionals in providing aggressive, disruptive, or out‑of‑control people the best care and welfare possible, even in the most violent situations.
• NCI training provides staff with skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors; it focuses on prevention and offers proven strategies for safely defusing anxious, hostile or violent behavior at the earliest possible stage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current license in good standing in Texas as an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and/or Licensed Psychologist (LPHD).
• Credentialed with all CHCS payers.
• One (1) year experience providing similar services, prior experience with or knowledge of trauma‑informed care is preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred; Language Proficiency Pay (LPP) payments are subject to successful testing, certification by CHCS Payroll, and availability of funding.
• Prior training and/or experience in field‑based services.

Supervision

Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties

Knowledge of

• Applicable software applications
• Case management
• Center for Health Care Services Safety Administrative Directives
• Crisis intervention
• Electronic Medical Record and medical terminology
• Local community resources
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Requirements of Medicaid and other funding resources

Skilled in

• Customer service
• Mental health / substance abuse / homelessness / intellectual disability disorders
• Organization and time management
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Public safety

Ability to

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Ensure compliance with all state regulations and CHCS policies
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Maintain accurate and complete records
• Maintain confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions

Physical Demands

• Must be able to meet the physical requirements to complete NCI and CPR training, lifting up to 12 lbs. and supporting up to 55 lbs.; bending, stooping and getting on and off the floor without assistance.
• Must have adequate mobility requiring frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching (vertical and horizontal), using fingers, hands, feet, legs and torso in various care activities.
• Position requires occasional transport of a consumer.