Crisis Responders - CTA

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a full-time Crisis Responder to join their Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) team. MFS is dedicated to empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive, acting as an engine of change since 1857. This role is crucial in responding to crisis situations, mediating disputes, and connecting community members with vital supportive services. The position involves working collaboratively with various stakeholders to promote safety and prevent violence.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education, required.
• 1+ years of relative experience including (but not limited to): crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, clinical work in a mental health setting, required.
• Experience in community outreach, violence prevention, youth development, social services, crisis intervention, or restorative justice programs.
• Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks.
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence.
• Strong conflict mediation and negotiation skills.
• Basic data entry and documentation skills.
• Understanding of community violence dynamics and factors contributing to conflict in urban environments.
• Awareness of local community resources, social services, and support networks.
• Familiarity with public safety systems, restorative justice approaches, and community engagement best practices.
• Effective verbal and nonverbal communication, including active listening and empathy.
• Ability to respond calmly and strategically in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Relationship-building and trust development with diverse populations.
• Documentation and basic reporting skills to accurately record incidents and interventions.
• Problem-solving, situational assessment, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Remain composed and professional in volatile or high-pressure situations.
• Work independently and as part of a team while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Willingness to work flexible on-call schedules, including evenings, overnight and weekends.
• Adapt to variable workloads and field-based mobility requirements.
• Availability to respond and deploy to an event within a 60-minute notice period.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Training or certification in mediation, de-escalation, or crisis response, preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities, particularly in Spanish or other languages common in the community, preferred.
• Lived experience with challenges related to violence, justice system involvement, or trauma, with the ability to serve as a positive role model.
• Knowledge of local resources such as housing, employment, mental health, and social services.

Responsibilities

• Respond rapidly to crisis situations to de-escalate.
• Mediate disputes to prevent escalation into violence during large gatherings, civil unrest, and mass shootings.
• Mediate conflicts, de-escalate tense situations, and build trust with diverse individuals and groups including at-risk youth and gang members.
• Work collaboratively with local businesses, residents, and organizations to promote safety.
• Identify and monitor potential conflicts and individuals/groups at elevated risk of violence.
• Connect community members to supportive services such as mental health care, housing, employment, or social services.
• Provide follow-up after crises to support healing and reduce the likelihood of retaliation or recurrence.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and debriefings to share insights and improve practice.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, interventions, and referrals while respecting confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED