Crisis Team Worker

Department of Health and Human Services; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Medication pay

Direct care pay

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking a Community Response Worker in Portland to provide crisis prevention and intervention services using telephone, mobile outreach, and in-home support. The role requires coordination with hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners, with rotating shift work to cover 24-hour crisis response.

Applicants should have related experience in crisis response or human services, and hold certifications such as CRMA, CPR, and First Aid.

Qualifications

• Crisis response, case management, mental health care, or related field demonstrating competency in crisis management.
• Related work experience and/or college-level education in human services and knowledge of positive behavioral supports.
• Certification to administer medication (CRMA), CPR, and First Aid.
• Safety Care or other department-approved training in behavioral prevention/intervention techniques.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to work 8-16 hour rotating shifts with rotating days off; overtime may be mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide prevention and intervention services via telephone, mobile outreach and in-home support.
• Crisis Team operates short-term crisis residential services with rotating shifts.
• Regular contact with local hospitals, law enforcement and community professionals.
• Assist in crisis safety planning, attend meetings, and document crisis-related activity.

Skills

Crisis response

Case management

Mental health care

Human services

Disability support

Crisis planning

Safety documentation

Education

Human services education

Tools

CRMA

CPR

First Aid

Safety Care

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Community Response Worker Opening Date: October 26, 2026 Closing Date: November 6, 2026 Job Class Code: 4118 Grade: 19 (06) Salary: $25.10 - $32.93 per hour* * In addition to base pay this position is eligible for shift differential, medication pay ($0.53 per hr.), and direct care pay ($1.00 per hr.). Position Number: 03900-5828 Location: Portland This position requires frequent travel on an intermittent basis, to varying locations state-wide. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities

• You will provide prevention and intervention services in the form of telephone, mobile outreach and in-home support services.
• The Crisis Team operates short-term crisis residential services; therefore, you will be assigned rotating shifts in this setting.
• You will have regular contact with local hospitals, law enforcement and other community professionals.
• You will assist in crisis safety planning, attend meetings, and provide written documentation of all crisis related activity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education, training, and/or experience in crisis response, case management, mental health care, human services, or another related field demonstrating competency in one or more of the following areas: providing direct support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or cognitive or behavioral health disorders; planning and advising on crisis management or mitigation strategies; developing crisis safety plans; and assessing and documenting patient/client behavior.
• Preference will be given to candidates with related work experience and/or college level education in the human services field and knowledge of positive behavioral supports.
• This position requires certification to administer medication (CRMA), CPR, and First Aid.
• Safety Care, or other department approved training in behavioral prevention/intervention techniques is also required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• You must be able to work 8-16 hour rotating shifts (at a minimum) and have rotating days off. Overtime is expected and may, at times, be mandatory.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) within DHHS is responsible for ensuring the safety, support and well-being of adults throughout Maine. The OADS’ Crisis Prevention and Intervention team assists individuals, their families, guardians, and community providers before, during, and after, crisis incidents. The Crisis program operates 24 hours per day, which requires Crisis Team staff to work 8, 12 and/or 16-hour shifts on a rotating basis including nights, weekends, overnights and holidays.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"— as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.86% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.