Mental Health Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc.•Oswego, NY

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is hiring Mobile Crisis Mental Health Specialists (Responders) in Oswego County. The specialist works alongside Mobile Crisis Clinicians to provide non-clinical support to adults, youth, and families in crisis. The role primarily involves conducting needs assessments and coordinating care during and after a crisis episode to address crisis antecedents and gaps in care. The Mobile Crisis Team is a trained multidisciplinary team that provides crisis intervention in community settings where people live, work, attend school, receive services, or socialize. Services include culturally and linguistically competent assessment, crisis diversion and safety planning, support during and after a crisis, and coordination with and referrals to health, social, and other services, including peer and family supports. The team aims to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests, support engagement in services, reduce symptoms, stabilize individuals, restore prior functioning, and help develop coping mechanisms to prevent future crises. This is a per diem position with flexible scheduling options. The role is field-based and community-facing, involving regular travel and in-person engagement in varied environments. The work is fast-paced and emotionally dynamic, requiring flexibility, composure, and quick decision-making. Team members collaborate closely and may work with emergency services, families, and multi-agency partners. Shifts may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-standard hours. Staff travel to locations not controlled or maintained by the agency, such as private homes, shelters, public spaces, and outdoor environments; these locations may have stairs, uneven terrain, limited accessibility, or other physical challenges.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Either a 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 qualifications: one to three years of experience working with individuals 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 status in a mental health/clinical DOH-approved New York State Education Department 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, while not qualified as a peer.
Willingness to participate in required federal, state, county, and agency training, including Narcan administration, evidence-based assessments, and person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
Demonstrates professionalism and collaborative effort when working with law enforcement, providers, and other collaterals.
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 in person-centered, client- and family-driven non-clinical goal setting and safety planning.
Make referrals to behavioral health, medical, care coordination, and basic needs services, and facilitate engagement with those services.
Collaborate with internal team members and external providers to ensure 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 accordance with agency and program standards.