Crisis Intervention Specialist I

Pacific Clinics•San Jose, IL

About The Position

The Crisis Intervention Specialist I works within a team to build strength-based relationships with clients experiencing mental health or behavioral crises. The role responds to acute crises involving behaviors that may include agitation, aggression, active psychosis, suicidal ideation, or self-injury. It is shift-based and involves responding to emergency requests from individuals, community partners, law enforcement, or family members, either in the community or at a Crisis Stabilization Unit. Responses may be conducted jointly with law enforcement and can involve screening for weapons and other environmental risks. The position is responsible for de-escalation and stabilization in potentially volatile situations and may require restraint certification. The role is part of TRUST, a mobile mental health evaluation team serving adults experiencing psychiatric or behavioral distress. The program includes a crisis hotline, mobile mental health response, and follow-up services. The schedule is Tuesday and Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Initial compensation is $31.40–$38.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and internal equity. Additional compensation may include an 8% license differential for specified licenses and certifications, and qualifying bilingual differentials. Benefits eligibility begins on day one and includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) employer match of up to 4%, and time-off plans, subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; two years of relevant experience equals one year of education.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Keep job requirements current, including certifications and licensure, and maintain a clear criminal record.
Another language may be required by some programs or areas.
If required by the program, pass an initial physical abilities test and obtain crisis-intervention-technique certification within the first 30 days, with annual recertification.
Remain physically fit enough to help keep clients safe; duties may include standing, walking, sitting, handling objects or controls, reaching, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, hearing, tasting, smelling, moving quickly or running, and driving a car.
If assigned to a Crisis Stabilization Unit, pass a Human Performance Evaluation Test, including lifting, pushing/pulling, repetitive coupling, static weight, and other movements; occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Have the specified close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision abilities and ability to adjust focus.
Driving is required.
May have unsupervised contact with children; a full background check and TB exam are required.

Responsibilities

May support the mental health crisis hotline by gathering information, supporting callers, identifying needs, and providing phone stabilization and resources as needed.
Assess and de-escalate adults or youth experiencing acute mental health or behavioral crises, including situations involving potential danger to themselves or others.
Participate in information gathering and decision-making related to involuntary psychiatric holds under Lanterman-Petris-Short laws and regulations.
Provide direct billable mental health services, document in accordance with Medi-Cal regulations, and meet productivity expectations.
Engage and support family members and other natural supports during acute psychiatric crises, including providing education about de-escalation and securing potentially dangerous items and substances in the home.
Facilitate transportation for individuals on 5150 holds, provide clinical information to accepting hospitals or psychiatric facilities, and remain with the client until transportation arrives and the client is safe en route.
Help individuals identify triggers, unmet needs, and psychosocial factors contributing to an acute crisis; use a strengths-based approach to develop risk-management and safety plans.
Provide community linkages, referrals, and resources based on identified needs, including mental health services, substance-use services, housing supports, and other social services.