ISRS - MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SPECIALIST

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

22d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this role is to enhance crisis response coordination in the development of crisis plans, community response, and education to external agencies, by helping to facilitate more connection to community supports (i.e. Crisis linkage) to help prevent additional services being mandated such as youth justice, child protection and other county departments. In addition to the coordination, this position will also respond to adults/adolescents/children who are experiencing mental health crises, within La Crosse County. Mental health crises may include individuals who pose a threat of harm to themselves or others, are experiencing an increase in symptoms, or are otherwise in need of mental health support. Response may include phone or on-site evaluation and support. This is a rewarding, fast-paced and challenging role, ideal for a person with a strong sense of empathy, decision making skills and ability to collaborate with community partners. Wisconsin Certified Crisis Program paid training is provided at onset of employment. Employees are part of the Integrated Support & Recovery Services (ISRS) Section of the La Crosse County Department of Human Services. Employee is responsible to the ISRS Crisis Supervisor, the Crisis Program Clinical Director and the ISRS Manager. This position provides on-call coverage for Mobile Crisis Services on a rotating basis with other similarly employed persons to cover three 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM shifts each week, including every other weekend. This position is an office-based position in La Crosse.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling, or closely related field. With appropriate related work experience, may consider another degree or high school diploma.
• Previous experience working with persons with problems of mental illness or persons experiencing mental health crises.
• Demonstrated skill in relationship building with community partners (schools, law enforcement, other human services partners, nursing homes, etc).
• Successful completion (within three months after beginning the position) of 40 hours Wisconsin Certified Crisis Program training which is provided as part of on-the-job training.
• Access to reliable personal transportation with a valid driver's license and must carry the County's required liability insurance coverage.
• Ability to relate effectively to individual persons with mental illness and/or family members; ability to relate positively and constructively to difficult clients and to clients who do not organize their thoughts well.
• Ability to relate positively to other community service agencies in the provision of service to persons with mental illness, family members and persons experiencing crisis situations.
• Familiarity with federal, state and local laws related to services for the treatment of persons with mental illness and the special confidentiality concerns related to emergency situations.
• Ability to operate a computer and update an electronic health record. Ability to be non-judgmental, empathic and provide comfort to persons with mental illness.
• Ability to prioritize and problem-solve efficiently and effectively in high- stress situations.
• Knowledge in family dynamics, including the out of home care system.
• Knowledge in Children's service system.
• Knowledge and skills in defusing behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities

• Partners with community providers such as schools, Western Region Adolescent Shelter, Child Protection Services and nursing homes to assist with crisis planning, provide suggestions for de-escalation or resources, and for family care members in developing crisis plans.
• Responds both by phone and in-person to evaluate adults/adolescents/children/families who are experiencing mental health crises.
• Works closely with law enforcement agency staff, hospital emergency room staff and other mental health professionals, as well as support persons, to determine the needs of the individual and develop ways to meet the needs while also providing for safety and stabilization of the individual and community.
• Responds to calls by phone and also performs on-site, face-to-face crisis intervention and mental health assessment services at various locations, within La Crosse County, including hospital emergency rooms, residences, and other locations in conjunction with law enforcement and other program staff.
• Assesses adults/adolescents/children for risk of harm to self and others, using standardized clinical tools.
• Assesses nature of presenting problem and makes care recommendations to emergency room physicians.
• Arranges for stabilization services in residential and/or outpatient settings. Develops Assessment and Response Plans for persons experiencing crisis.
• Participates in multidisciplinary dispositional staff meetings, regular supervisory/training sessions, and conferences and in-service training as required.
• Uses laptop computer database to perform data entry into an electronic health record.
• Completes up to 40 hours of initial training on crisis assessment and response within the first ninety (90) days of employment (20 hours for experienced mental health professionals).
• In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative, respectful and non-judgmental at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays or during community emergencies and/or disasters, when work may vary from normal job responsibilities.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees