Crisis Specialist

StartupNWA; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Ozark Center is seeking a Crisis Specialist to provide direct clinical services in crisis intervention and emergency hospitalization situations. The role emphasizes accessible crisis services, system-wide coordination, and present-focused support.

The position involves phone evaluations, urgent referrals, and collaboration with the Mental Health Coordinator. Cross-training within Crisis Services is expected, with duties varying as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in behavioral health or related field, QMHP credentials.
• QMHP or QAP certification as per Missouri Dept. of Mental Health.
• Bachelor’s in human services with at least 1 year of experience.
• High school diploma with 4 years of higher education/qualifying behavioral health experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical service in crisis intervention and hospitalization in emergencies.
• Support crisis intervention principles to ensure access, system-focused view, present-focused relief, and use of medication when needed.
• Evaluate Ozark Center patients at Crisis Services Office by phone when needed.
• Provide phone consultations for ER referrals or hospital deposits.
• Know involuntary detention laws and consult with Mental Health Coordinator/Community Behavioral Health Liaison.
• Report to Crisis Services Supervisor; supervised by Crisis Services Director/Assistant.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Telephone assessment

Case coordination

Clinical judgment

Education

Master’s degree in behavioral health / QMHP

QMHP professional qualification

Bachelor’s in human services with 1+ year experience

High school diploma with 4 years education/experience in behavioral health

Job description

Join our talent network, explore companies and search for jobs. Employment is abundant, commutes are short, and the region is filled with a sense of possibility, a place where you can have a real impact.

Education:

Crisis Specialist will meet any of the following educational and experience requirements:

• A master’s degree in behavioral health or related field, meeting the criteria as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as outlined by Missouri Department of Mental Health, having completed a practicum or one (1) year of experience in behavioral health.
• A Qualified Addition Professional (QAP) as outlined by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
• A bachelor’s degree in a human services field with at least one (1) year of experience in behavioral health or a social service related field.
• A high school diploma with any combination of four years of higher education and/or qualifying experience in behavioral health.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct clinical service in managing crisis intervention and hospitalization in emergency situations.
• Assure that the following basic principles of crisis intervention underlie delivery of these services:
  • Assistance must be easily accessed and immediately available.
  • Crisis should be viewed in systems terms, suggesting the need to involve significant others to resolve the precipitating event, if possible.
  • Crisis services should focus on the present and reduce stress and tension.
  • Medication may be a necessary strategy to reduce stress.
  • Active intervention including advocacy, supportive guidance, and identification of adaptive responses are generally required to resolve the crisis.
• Evaluate all identified Ozark Center patients at the Crisis Services Office by phone only. This shall include Ozark Center patients whose case manager is unavailable during regular business hours.
• Provide phone consultation for all emergency room patients who are requiring some type of referral or deposition from the hospital staff.
• Knowledgeable in involuntary detention laws and procedures and consults with the area Mental Health Coordinator and/or Community Behavioral Health Liaison.
• The Crisis Specialist shall report to the Crisis Services Supervisor for program specific supervision and shall be under the administration of the Director and Assistant of Crisis Services.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned. Crisis Specialists will be cross trained for other positions within the Crisis Services department, for which they are qualified to perform based on their education and/or experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal office environment.
• Ability to stay awake and be responsive throughout shift.
• Typical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed.
• Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours and deal with irate individuals.

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