Mobile Crisis Responder, Husky Assist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

3d•$80,004 - $100,008•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Washington’s Husky Assist unit is hiring a Crisis Responder for its mobile behavioral health response team serving the UW Seattle campus. Reporting to the Director of Husky Assist, the responder addresses urgent behavioral health needs among students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including children and youth under 18 who are on campus for a UW-sanctioned purpose. Responses may be made independently or jointly with UW Police, depending on the situation; close coordination with police is essential, and candidates must be comfortable working with police during response activities. The position works on-site within the UW Seattle campus footprint. Rare telework assignments may be made at the Director’s discretion for special projects. The scheduled shift is 11:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays, with one weekday off every other week. Husky Assist is a recently launched program that continues to evolve. Responders are expected to bring a flexible, collaborative and innovative approach, and to support change and process improvement as the service develops. The role combines direct crisis response and intervention, campus partnership and outreach, program administration, and special projects. Responders receive ongoing supervisory support, including in-the-moment support and routine supervision. The position is regular and full-time (100% FTE). The annual pay range is $80,004–$100,008. The University provides benefits, with details available through its staff benefits information page.

Requirements

Master’s degree in behavioral sciences, such as counseling, social work, or a related field.
Agency Affiliated Counselor registration or licensure, or a higher-level credential such as LMCA, LMFT, or LICSW.
At least two years of experience delivering professional mental health care directly.
Physical ability to navigate campus interior and exterior spaces, walk significant distances, and use stairs and slopes in all weather.
Valid motor vehicle driver’s license and ability to meet criteria for driving State-owned vehicles.
Comfort working with police during response activities.

Nice To Haves

Commitment to multiculturally informed care models and experience working with a diverse community.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Experience working with underrepresented communities and individuals.
Clinical experience working with youth or young adults.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention, stabilization, and resource referrals to campus members of all ages experiencing behavioral health concerns or active crises, in accordance with UW policies and procedures.
Independently intake and assess clients, coordinate care, and plan client disposition; use sound judgment about when to seek supervisory support for ambiguous situations, higher-risk clients, or high-profile events.
Coordinate with law enforcement, fire/EMS, and dispatch to determine incident-response leadership and adjust roles or interventions as needed.
Maintain working knowledge of culturally and age-appropriate resources, processes, interventions, and requirements related to mental health crises, suicide risk, interpersonal violence, abuse and neglect, substance use, grief, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation.
Arrange transportation to emergency and crisis facilities when needed based on the individual’s safety needs; transportation may involve a university-owned vehicle.
Engage campus members proactively, particularly groups that may distrust UW systems, to build trust and provide support.
Represent Husky Assist by promoting the service, staffing tabling events, and developing and delivering presentations to departments.
Build effective relationships with campus partners, stay informed about cross-campus issues, offer Husky Assist support when indicated, and maintain communication with referral sources and potential referral sources.
Develop and maintain relationships with on- and off-campus care agencies; coordinate care and engagement, understand existing and new programs and their roles, referral processes and wait times, and make appropriate referrals.
Participate in quality improvement, data gathering, and development of measures to assess program impact; maintain accurate data and collaborate on improvements aligned with program goals.
Complete clinical documentation in accordance with Husky Assist and UW policies.
Handle sensitive medical information in compliance with RCW 70.02, FERPA, and university policies.
Mentor new staff when assigned.
Participate in developing annual performance goals and implementation plans.
Attend and participate in supervision, departmental meetings, and assigned committees.
Participate in assigned data collection and quality improvement activities.
Complete special projects that support internal program development or campus operations, and take the lead on projects assigned by the Director.