Mobile Crisis Specialist

Potomac Community Services•Hagerstown, MD

5d•$47,840 - $56,160

About The Position

The Mobile Crisis Specialist (MCS) is a direct-service paraprofessional who responds to community crisis calls requiring face-to-face intervention with individuals and families. The role requires knowledge of mental health and crisis intervention and stabilization skills. The MCS works as part of a mobile crisis team, collaborates with first responders and clinical staff, and complies with applicable state, federal, mobile crisis, accreditation, and PCS requirements and standards of professional conduct and ethics. The MCS assesses and supports individuals in crisis, helps implement short-term stabilization and transition plans, and provides skills training related to safety planning, coping skills, and harm reduction. The specialist develops person-centered follow-up plans, coordinates care with individuals’ support systems and community partners, and maintains professional relationships and appropriate boundaries. The position reports to the Program Supervisor or designee. The position works a four-day workweek with a stated shift of 1–11 PM. Work takes place in a professional office and community environment, including settings where unfamiliar people may be present and movement may be restricted.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience working with individuals with behavioral or mental health diagnoses.
Working knowledge of crisis intervention principles and techniques, including assessing crisis situations for safety and security.
Ability to provide goal-oriented crisis intervention and stabilization.
Knowledge of community resources related to mental health, case management, and stabilization.
Professionalism and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including responding to requests for assistance and support.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation in a four-passenger vehicle, and vehicle insurance.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in mental health or another human services field is preferred.
Peer Recovery experience or certification is preferred.
Crisis and/or de-escalation experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive mobile response referrals and respond within the designated program timeframe to assess and acutely stabilize individuals in crisis.
Consult with clinical staff to support effective and ethical decision-making.
Manage difficult or emotional situations and identify when consultation or backup support is needed.
Implement short-term follow-up, stabilization, or transition plans developed by the Mobile Crisis Clinician.
Build and maintain professional relationships with individuals, their support systems, first responders, PCS staff, and community agencies to coordinate care.
Establish trusting relationships with individuals while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Work as a member of an interdisciplinary mobile crisis team and with community agencies.
Use a person-centered approach to develop follow-up and stabilization plans based on an individual’s needs, strengths, and support system.
Participate in team meetings, case coordination, and shift-change communication.
Work short-term with clients to teach or help regain crisis-stabilization skills, including safety planning, coping skills, and harm reduction, using demonstration, feedback, prompting, and cueing.
Complete required training and documentation.
Learn PCS Core Values and demonstrate them in all areas of work.
Share knowledge and resource information with coworkers and other PCS staff.
Act as a PCS liaison with community and local mental health agencies and providers, promoting effective communication.
Attend scheduled monthly staff meetings and PCS events.
Safeguard the confidentiality of records and information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Represent PCS positively and professionally, internally and externally.
Use PCS resources and equipment appropriately and efficiently, including laptops, phones, and vehicles.
Maintain good working relationships with staff and supervisors and contribute to a positive work environment.
Maintain a safe driving record and safety awareness.
Complete required training and comply with applicable local hospital and PCS policies, including time and attendance and dress code requirements.
Record time accurately in the approved payroll system and complete calendars as required.
Perform special projects and other assigned duties.