Community Crisis Responder

Grant County•Renew - Moses Lake, WA

17h

About The Position

The Community Crisis Responder provides community-based behavioral health crisis intervention in collaboration with law enforcement. Under general supervision, the role conducts on-scene crisis assessments, addresses immediate safety concerns, and facilitates referrals intended to divert individuals from arrest or unnecessary hospitalization. The position also consults with law enforcement, completes pre-admission screenings for voluntary inpatient or withdrawal management services, and coordinates with community partners to support safe crisis resolution. The position focuses on mobile crisis response delivered in partnership with law enforcement. It routinely responds on-scene with deputies, provides behavioral health expertise during law enforcement encounters, and conducts crisis evaluations outside traditional clinical settings. The role also includes Designated Crisis Responder functions, including Involuntary Treatment Act investigations, and serves as a liaison among Renew, law enforcement, and other community agencies. Work takes place in varied settings, including offices, law enforcement vehicles, jails, community locations, individuals’ homes, and other field sites. The role may involve encounters with people experiencing emotional distress, hostility, intoxication, or aggressive behavior, as well as unpredictable or high-stress situations. It requires frequent travel throughout the county, including driving in varied road and weather conditions and transporting clients when appropriate. Hours may vary and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call assignments, depending on operational needs. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and move between locations; use office equipment; operate a motor vehicle; and, as needed, lift, carry, or move items weighing up to 25 pounds. It also requires frequent rapid mobility during crisis responses. Field work may involve limited exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, requiring universal precautions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social or behavioral sciences or a closely related field.
Meet the definition of a Mental Health Professional as outlined in current Washington Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington.
Two years of related experience in the direct treatment of individuals and families with emotional or behavioral disorders.
Experience conducting clinical assessments, including risk, suicide, crisis, and diagnostic evaluations.
Experience responding to aggressive or escalated behaviors using least-restrictive interventions.
Washington State Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential.
Obtain Designated Crisis Responder status within six months of hire.
Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the County’s vehicle insurance policy, including providing an acceptable driving abstract.
Ability to travel throughout the county and operate a motor vehicle for outreach, field response, and collaboration with law enforcement.
Ability to lift, carry, or move items weighing up to 25 pounds as needed.
Use universal precautions when responding to potential exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience in crisis response or emergency behavioral health services.
Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders or co-occurring conditions.
Experience using electronic or clinical documentation systems.
Experience providing treatment across age groups, including children, adults, and families.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Respond on-scene with law enforcement to assess behavioral health crises and collaborate with officers to de-escalate situations, promote safety, and reduce unnecessary arrests or hospitalizations.
Conduct behavioral health screenings and full clinical evaluations, including assessment of risk, mental health symptoms, substance use, and functional needs, to determine interventions and referrals.
Respond to individuals and families in crisis, using independent judgment to de-escalate situations and determine appropriate next steps.
Respond promptly to crisis calls and service requests, using consistent discretionary decision-making to provide timely and effective intervention.
Deliver brief therapeutic interventions using crisis intervention techniques and person-centered, trauma-informed approaches to reduce distress and support short-term stabilization.
Facilitate services that support community reintegration by coordinating care and removing barriers.
Develop crisis plans with individuals, natural supports, and community partners to outline strategies for managing future crises.
Collaborate with external professionals and service providers to improve coordination and continuity of care.
Tailor interventions to the cultural, developmental, and individual needs of people served.
Maintain accurate and timely records in accordance with Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, contractual, and agency standards.
Participate in required trainings and agency or community meetings to remain current with procedures, standards, and best practices.
Complete pre-admission screenings for voluntary inpatient or withdrawal management services.
Provide consultation to law enforcement and coordinate with community partners.
Perform Designated Crisis Responder functions, including Involuntary Treatment Act investigations.
Perform other duties as assigned.