CRISIS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Pawnee Mental Health Services; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HRSA- Health Workforce: Loan Repayment

Continuing Education: up to 5 paid ed.

Medical & Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

KPERS retirement benefits

Life Insurance

Paid Holidays

Generous PTO

Paid Medical Leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Supplemental Benefits

Job summary

Pawnee Mental Health Services invites qualified individuals to join our Mobile Crisis Team as a Crisis Support Specialist. You will participate in mobile crisis dispatches, provide emotional stabilization, assist in safety planning, and help connect clients to follow-up resources.

The role emphasizes de-escalation, empathetic communication, and collaboration with licensed staff to promote immediate and long-term wellbeing.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience as a primary consumer of mental health services is preferred.
• Proficient oral and written English communication.
• Basic computer literacy for electronic records.
• Valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in mobile crisis dispatches with licensed and unlicensed staff.
• Provide emotional support and stabilization during acute crises.
• Assist in safety planning and ensure follow-up steps are understood.
• Share coping strategies to foster hope and connection.
• Answer crisis line calls and document information promptly.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Life experience as consumer of mental

Basic computer skills

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Who We Are

Pawnee Mental Health is proud of the high-quality services we offer and the positive outcomes our clients achieve. Our employees are the heart of our organization, and each person contributes to our mission. We’re looking for motivated, passionate individuals who want to use their skills to support others. We believe people facing mental health or substance use challenges deserve the chance to live meaningful, productive lives. If that mission resonates with you, we encourage you to explore this role and join us in making an impact.

What We Offer

At Pawnee Mental Health, we are committed to supporting our employees’ well-being by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• HRSA- Health Workforce: Loan Repayment Program for Health Careers
• Continuing Education: Pawnee provides up to 5 days of additional paid leave for continuing education and a fund of up to $1,000 annually.
• Medical & Vision Insurance: Accessible plans to support your health needs offered through BCBS or Aetna.
• Dental Insurance: 100% covered by Pawnee for employees.
• Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS): Secure your future with KPERS retirement benefits, a lifetime pension program.
• Life Insurance: coverage up to 150% of your annual income and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 8 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Generous PTO: Start earning 8 hours of PTO per month—equivalent to 12 days per year—with an increase to 24 days per year after your first anniversary.
• Paid Medical Leave: Receive a 40-hour bank of paid medical leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access support resources for your personal and professional life.
• Supplemental Benefits: Additional life insurance coverage, ambulance transportation, short term disability, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and more.

What You’ll Do

Mobile Crisis Team Support

• Participate in mobile crisis dispatches alongside licensed and unlicensed crisis staff.
• Provide emotional support and stabilization to individuals during acute crisis situations.
• Assist in safety planning and ensure follow-up steps are understood by the individual.
• Share recovery experiences and coping strategies, fostering hope and connection.

Crisis Line Coverage

• Answer incoming crisis calls and conduct phone triage to assess risk, safety, and level of care needs.
• Provide de-escalation, support, and resource linkage over the phone.
• Coordinate dispatch of mobile crisis teams or referrals to higher levels of care, including hospitalization if needed.
• Accurately document all call information in the electronic health record in a timely manner.

Care Coordination

• Support clients in connecting to mental health, substance use, housing, or other community resources after a crisis encounter.
• Follow up with individuals post-crisis to ensure continuity of care and engagement.
• Advocate for client needs and support navigation of behavioral health systems.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to facilitate warm hand-offs.

CSU Operations:

• Monitor and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for all clients on the CSU.
• Conduct routine client checks and document observations in accordance with policy.
• Assist with daily routines including hygiene support, meal distribution, recreational activities, and medication pass support.
• Complete shift documentation, incident reports, and safety logs accurately and promptly.

Crisis Staff Expectations

• Complete and stay current on required training for the position.
• Adhere to the standards, policies and instructions established by PMHS Policy and Procedure and any applicable ethical codes within field of employment.
• Review and comply with the Pawnee Code of Conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Perform all other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Required

• A High School diploma or equivalent.
• Current or past life experience as a primary consumer of mental health services.
• Oral and written communication skills using the English language.
• Basic personal computer skills which enable the entry, retrieval and use of electronic data.
• A valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance maintained in accordance with Pawnee policy and procedure is required.

Preferred

• Experience with Microsoft Office Software.
• Preference will be given in employment to candidates with Kansas certification as a Peer Specialist (CPS), however, in any case the incumbent must become certified within one year of employment.

Results of criminal and all other applicable background checks must meet the approval of Pawnee Mental Health Services.