MPI Crisis Responders (Part-time)

Metropolitan Peace Academy • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services is hiring a Crisis Responder for its Crisis Prevention Response Unit (CPRU). This hourly position pays $27.18 per hour, with placement in the range based on skills and experience. Employees must be comfortable riding trains and working on train platforms as part of their regular duties. The position requires open availability for both shifts: 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m., and the ability to work either full shift as operational needs require. Employees must also be able to respond and deploy to an event within 60 minutes’ notice. The role involves field-based work in public, fast-paced environments and may include evenings, overnight hours, and weekends.

The Crisis Responder works to prevent and respond to violence by de-escalating crises, mediating conflicts, building trust with community members, and connecting people to support services. The role coordinates with public safety personnel, emergency responders, local businesses, residents, organizations, and community partners. It also includes documenting incidents and interventions, participating in team reviews and debriefings, and following up after crises.

Metropolitan Family Services is an Illinois comprehensive human services agency serving individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County. The agency describes community as central to its internal culture and the services it provides.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience, including experience in crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, or clinical work in a mental health setting.
• Pass all required screenings and criminal background checks.
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence.
• Be comfortable riding trains and working on train platforms as regular job duties.
• Have open availability for both 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m. shifts and be able to work either full shift as needed.
• Strong conflict mediation and negotiation skills.
• Basic data-entry, documentation, and reporting 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.
• Ability to build relationships and trust with diverse populations.
• Problem-solving, situational assessment, and decision-making skills in dynamic environments.
• Ability to remain composed and professional in volatile or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Willingness to work flexible on-call schedules, including evenings, overnight hours, and weekends.
• Ability to adapt to variable workloads and field-based mobility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in community outreach, violence prevention, youth development, social services, crisis intervention, or restorative justice programs.
• Training or certification in mediation, de-escalation, or crisis response.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities, particularly in Spanish or other languages common in the community.
• 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 and de-escalate them.
• 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.
• Maintain situational awareness in confined, fast-paced environments with continuous public activity.
• Work collaboratively with local businesses, residents, and organizations to promote safety.
• Coordinate with public safety personnel, emergency responders, and community partners to ensure appropriate interventions.
• Identify and monitor potential conflicts and individuals or groups at elevated risk of violence.
• Connect community members to supportive services, such as mental health care, housing, employment, or social services.
• 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.
• Respond and deploy to events within a 60-minute notice period.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts: $2,000 for individual coverage and $4,000 for family coverage, prorated to benefits start date
• Free general medicine and behavioral health Teladoc services for team members
• Ascensus 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on the first day of eligibility

What This Job Offers

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