Crisis Worker

Thresholds•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Thresholds’ Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) is dedicated to transforming the crisis care system by providing services and supports to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. As a Crisis Worker, you will respond to mental health crises in the Uptown, Lakeview, and North Center communities, serving as an alternative to or in conjunction with hospitalization or police response. Each shift involves answering calls to a crisis hotline, conducting safety assessments, and determining the appropriate response. This may include connecting callers to services or, if a face-to-face intervention is necessary, meeting individuals in the community with a Peer Engagement Specialist. Together, you will provide the least restrictive intervention possible, ranging from assisting with panic attacks to facilitating hospitalization. Community interventions are conducted year-round, in all weather conditions, and may involve distributing basic necessities like first aid items or warm clothes. Following a crisis response, you will offer client follow-up and document services. Downtime between calls offers opportunities for professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach. Thresholds fosters a collaborative and supportive culture, providing tools, resources, training, and clinical supervision to deepen knowledge and expand skills in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based practices, offering various career paths and growth opportunities within the organization.

Requirements

Passion for mental health advocacy
Effective communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to problem-solve
Good writing skills
Strong time management and organization
To be at least 23 years old
A valid driver’s license
Ability to work assigned schedule: Friday-Saturday 6:45am-3:15pm, Sunday-Tuesday 2:45pm-11:15pm
High school diploma or GED certificate and 5 years of supervised clinical experience
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 2 years of supervised clinical experience
Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Nice To Haves

Having daily access to a vehicle preferred

Responsibilities

Respond to mental health crises in the Uptown, Lakeview, and North Center communities.
Act as an alternative to or in conjunction with hospitalization or police response.
Answer calls to the crisis hotline.
Conduct a quick yet robust safety assessment to determine what response is needed.
Connect callers to an appropriate service or provider.
Conduct face-to-face interventions with a Peer Engagement Specialist at the caller's home, workplace, or another community location when necessary.
Assist the person in crisis with the least restrictive intervention possible, including walking someone through a panic attack or assisting with hospitalization.
Distribute basic necessities to individuals in crisis, such as first aid items, water, or warm clothes.
Offer a follow-up to the client based on their needs.
Document the services provided.
Focus on professional development through self-directed projects and community outreach efforts during downtime between calls.