Mobile Crisis Worker

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

University of Utah Health is seeking a patient-focused Mobile Crisis Worker to serve as a mental health first responder for Salt Lake County residents. This role provides on-demand, in-person crisis intervention, de-escalation, suicide risk assessment, and connection to behavioral health resources. Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Peers and Certified Crisis Workers collaborate with community stakeholders like law enforcement, fire/EMS, shelters, businesses, and private citizens. They receive dispatch referrals from the Utah Crisis Line (988) and 911 partners for immediate deployment. Operating in teams of two, this position aims to be the primary behavioral health responder, minimizing the need for law enforcement or EMS unless there is a physical safety concern. The role is partnered with and works under the on-scene supervision of a master’s level mental health clinician.

Requirements

Ability to perform the essential functions of the job outlined above.
Strong organizational and follow through skills.
Demonstrated human relations and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and problem solve.
Must possess knowledge of community resources, discharge planning, and crisis de-escalation.
Demonstrate the knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status.
Good interpersonal skills to acquire the trust of patients and respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
Knowledge of HIPAA and ability to adhere to the requirements.
Demonstrate effective de-escalation techniques and utilization of crisis intervention skills.
Candidates must be eligible to apply for the State Crisis Worker Certification within a year using one of the following methods OR be granted a certification through an exemption from the State: (a) Individuals licensed under Utah Department of Professional Licensing for any health or behavioral health license; (b) Individuals with a minimum of bachelor’s degree in a human service related field; (c) Individuals certified as a Certified Peer Support Specialist for a minimum of one year; (d) Individuals certified as Case Managers for a minimum of one year; or (e) Individuals certified as Family Resource Facilitator for a minimum of one year.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Nice To Haves

A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
Depending on candidate’s qualifying certification, per the Peer/Family Support Specialist Certification eligibility and training, may share lived experience with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders, and/or substance use when appropriate, as applicable to the client served, and within professional boundaries to demonstrate understanding, respect, and empowerment to clients through the recovery model.
Two to four years experience in field or related area.
Bi-lingual skills.

Responsibilities

Assess environment for safety, health and wellbeing, and mental status of individual in crisis to determine appropriate crisis and/or emergency service interventions under the on-scene supervision of and in collaboration with their master’s level mental health clinician partner.
Engages with the patient, family/friends, other first responders, and other individuals on scene to coordinate crisis intervention and collaborative emergency care.
Coordinates care with appropriate community partners and resources and includes law enforcement/EMS.
Triage and prioritize community response based on highest acuity behavioral health emergencies.
Offer individualized resources, support, and follow-up calls to mitigate future behavioral health crises.
Follows all behavior management, de-escalation strategies, and crisis intervention protocols and procedures.
Ensure all conduct and client interactions are trauma-informed and follows best practices.
Models sensitivity and competency related to individual client need and applicable cultural awareness.
Attends safety training which involves local law enforcement and/or University of Utah Health Safety and Security, as well as required training around situational awareness, risk assessments for both the patient and others, and appropriate response to potential on scene weapons or illegal substances.