Crisis Intervention Specialist

Delta Health offers health care professionals and people from all walks of life an opportunity to find fulfillment in their jobs as part of a close-knit team. We pride ourselves on our positive work culture. Our team members understand our fundamental commitment to the community and rally around the motto “Excellence, Every Patient, Every Time.” When you embark on a journey with us, you’ll take pride in your work and the impact you have, while building a career with focus and purpose.

The Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Specialist is responsible for providing peer support services and guidance to Delta Hospital patients while working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to connect patients with vital community resources for sustained success. In addition, this position is responsible for completing the Behavioral Health Administration’s Crisis Professional Curriculum and a mandatory observation process to provide emergency psych evaluations for patients experiencing mental health crises, addiction challenges, and emotional distress at Delta Hospital.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide empathy, clear boundaries, and hopeful human interaction with patients on M1 and Emergency Commitment holds while they await treatment placement.
• Co-create patient-centered care and safety plans, incorporating harm-reduction strategies and community resources for warm handoffs and post-discharge services.
• Build trust and connection with patients in the Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient settings, offering emotional support to both patients and families during hospital stays.
• Conduct follow-up with ED patients who screen positive for depression or suicidal ideation, ensuring engagement with community resources and continuity of care.
• Collaborate with patients transitioning back to the community following treatment placement to reduce readmissions and support a stable return.
• Administer standardized screeners such as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screeners (EPDS) and AHCM screeners for social determinants of health.
• Proactively build relationships with community partners to expedite resource coordination for patients, including housing, therapy, and other support services.
• Arrange outpatient therapy appointments through Athena and collaborate with peer specialists to provide warm handoffs and resource connections.
• Represent Delta Health with professionalism and integrity while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
• Participate in regular case conferences, team meetings, and debriefings to address complex cases, ensure alignment, and maintain a cohesive care approach.
• Perform comprehensive clinical interviews to assess patients’ mental health status, risk factors, and immediate needs.
• Collaborate with licensed mental health professionals and Delta Health physicians to determine appropriate care, including psychiatric hospitalization, detox, alternative treatment options, or safety plans.
• Use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to stabilize individuals in acute distress.
• Collaborate with emergency services, law enforcement, and community partners to facilitate seamless transitions to higher levels of care.
• Demonstrate humility, psychological flexibility, and a solution-focused mindset when navigating departmental changes and team challenges.
• Commit to skillful feedback, team collaboration, and professional development to uphold our team’s core values of integrity, service excellence, and compassionate care.
• Educate patients and families on harm-reduction techniques and available behavioral health resources.
• Maintain concise, accurate, and timely documentation of all assessments, interventions, referrals, and follow-ups in compliance with HIPAA standards and Delta Health policies.
• Contribute to Delta Health’s data-driven care model by ensuring all documentation and referrals meet accountability and time standards.
• Provide culturally sensitive care tailored to the unique needs of diverse patient populations.
• Advocate for patients and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed effectively.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Delta Health’s Mission and Vision through positive action and patient-centered care.
• Embrace continuous learning, professional growth, and adaptability to meet evolving departmental and patient needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or a relevant field preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a mental health or crisis intervention setting.
• Experience providing emergency psych evaluations preferred but not required.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule with some evenings and possible weekends.
• Must be willing and able to work in the ED and inpatient care environments with some exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases.
• Peer Specialist Training Certificate that includes the Colorado State Core Competencies through COPA. Required upon hire or obtained within 3 months from date of hire.
• BHA Crisis Professional Curriculum Certification. Required upon hire or obtained within 6 months from date of hire.

Skills and Special Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders, crisis management techniques, and community resources.
• Skilled in conducting comprehensive mental health assessments, including risk factors, mental status, and safety evaluations.
• Familiarity with administering standardized screeners, such as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screeners (EPDS) and AHCM screeners for social determinants of health.
• Strong de-escalation skills and ability to stabilize individuals experiencing acute emotional or mental health crises using evidence-based techniques, such as Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy, active listening, and a non-judgmental attitude towards others.
• Familiarity with local resources and services related to mental health and substance use disorders, with the ability to identify, coordinate, and connect patients to appropriate care.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing emotional support and advocating for patients and families during crisis situations.
• Strong understanding of cultural sensitivity and diversity, with the ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures and socioeconomic situations and an openness to understanding personal biases.
• Spanish-speaking preferred but not required.
• High attention to detail and proficiency in documenting assessments, interventions, and referrals accurately and in compliance with HIPAA standards.
• Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment, demonstrating flexibility and a solution-focused mindset.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems, such as Athena, and other technology used for scheduling, communication, and documentation.
• Ability to foster positive team dynamics and contribute to a collaborative environment while participating in team meetings and case conferences.

Delta Health is a county-wide healthcare system that has been serving the Western Slope for over 100 years. We have grown to a 49-bed hospital with locations throughout Delta County. We proudly provide a wide range of medical services that meet the diverse needs of our community members. At all stages of life, we are here to provide remarkable care in a healing environment.

Employee Benefits: Medical, RX, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO, and Scholarships towards continued education.

Medical: Low monthly premiums; 100% coverage for all services provided within our Delta Health System without a deductible or co-payment. We offer alternative coverage to include massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Employer paid Life and Disability coverage.

Paid Time Off: 4 plus weeks of vacation (CAL) a year for Full-Time employees including sick pay and personal time off.

Retirement: 403B Plan -Up to a 3% retirement match.