Mental Health Specialist
About The Position
Liberty Resources is hiring Mobile Crisis Mental Health Specialists (Responders) to work alongside Mobile Crisis Clinicians, providing non-clinical support to adults, youth, and families experiencing a crisis. Specialists conduct needs assessments and coordinate care during and after crisis episodes to address crisis antecedents and gaps in care. The Mobile Crisis Team responds in community settings such as homes, workplaces, schools, service locations, and other places where people socialize. Services include culturally and linguistically competent assessment, crisis diversion and safety planning, support during and after a crisis, and coordination with and referral to health, social, and other services. The team aims to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests, support service engagement and symptom reduction, stabilize individuals, restore functioning, and help people develop coping mechanisms to prevent future crises. This is a per diem position with flexible scheduling options. Shifts vary by county and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight hours, and weekday daytime coverage as needed. The role is field-based and involves regular travel and in-person engagement in varied community environments. The work is fast-paced and emotionally dynamic, requiring flexibility, composure, and quick decision-making, with close collaboration among team members and external partners. Compensation includes $32.15 per on-call shift, described as equating to $225 for one week and providing advanced compensation for telephonic services. An additional $100 is offered per on-call shift on an agency-observed holiday. Mobile crisis response and in-person follow-up payments vary according to service duration.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of behavioral health experience; OR a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or State Education Commencement Credential and at least one of the listed qualifying backgrounds: one to three years working with people with serious mental illness or substance use disorders; two years of work experience in children’s mental health, addiction, or foster care; student or intern in a mental health/clinical New York State Education Department-approved program; Licensed Practical Nurse; Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC); or lived experience as an individual with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders or as a parent/primary caregiver of a child with such disorders, provided the person is not a qualified peer.
- Must be willing to participate in required federal, state, county, and agency training, including Narcan administration, evidence-based assessments, and person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
- Demonstrate professionalism and collaborative conduct when working with law enforcement, providers, and other collateral contacts.
- Must possess a valid New York State driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
Responsibilities
- Provide non-clinical emotional support through active listening, validation, encouragement, and practical guidance.
- Conduct initial and ongoing needs assessments to identify crisis triggers, service gaps, and follow-up needs.
- Engage individuals and families in person-centered, client- and family-driven non-clinical goal setting and safety planning.
- Make referrals to and facilitate engagement in behavioral health, medical, care coordination, and basic needs services.
- Collaborate with internal team members and external providers to support smooth transitions and continuity of care.
- Follow up with individuals, families, and care teams to verify that aftercare services are in place and being accessed.
- Complete timely and accurate documentation in line with agency and program standards.
