Crisis Intervention Specialist - Full-Time

Northwest Human Services, Inc. • Salem, OR

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. They are a mission-focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in the community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers. As a Community Health Center, they value a culture of belonging, diverse perspectives, and life experiences, embracing innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. Northwest Human Services (NWHS) is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their Crisis & Information Hotline Team. This vital role within their 24/7 program offers immediate crisis intervention, resources, and support to individuals in urgent need. If you’re passionate about mental health, excel in fast-paced environments, and are eager to make a meaningful difference in your community, this position may be a perfect fit. As a Crisis Intervention Specialist, you provide immediate emotional support to people experiencing distress, suicidal thoughts, or looking for mental health resources. You conduct risk assessments, offer brief counseling over the phone, create safety plans, and connect clients to appropriate services. This role supports all 988 calls in Marion and Polk counties and serves as after-hours crisis support for various community partners. Specialists also offer follow-up care and advocacy based on each client’s needs. Candidates must be eligible to obtain/maintain a QMHA-R level certification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or behavioral health sciences field, or combination of at least three years relevant work, education, training, or experience
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an integrated team
• Demonstrated ability to use appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills while working with individuals who may be very escalated or experiencing acute crisis
• Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care models
• Demonstrated ability to practice self-reflection
• Eligible to obtain/maintain a QMHA-R level certification
• Work some holidays and weekends
• This is an onsite position
• Flexibility in managing breaks and meals during shifts (due to no scheduled lunch breaks and being on-call)

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate emotional support to people experiencing distress, suicidal thoughts, or looking for mental health resources
• Conduct risk assessments
• Offer brief counseling over the phone
• Create safety plans
• Connect clients to appropriate services
• Support all 988 calls in Marion and Polk counties
• Serve as after-hours crisis support for various community partners
• Offer follow-up care and advocacy based on each client’s needs
• Remain on-call for client support throughout their shift

Benefits

• Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
• Flex Spending Account
• PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows
• 7½ paid holidays each year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Continuing Education & Training Benefits
• Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation
• Access to grant-funded education, training, and professional development opportunities to support career advancement (subject to grant guidelines and eligibility requirements)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees