CRU Assessor

Denton County MHMR Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), is committed to fostering a supportive, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment for all. We strive to create a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered. Integrity, honesty, and kindness are the foundation of our Center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma informed, person-centered care.

General Description

The Crisis Residential Unit (CRU) Assessor works under the direction of the Director of Community Integration Services. This position is responsible for conducting assessments to determine an individual's eligibility and appropriateness for admission into the CRU home. This position ensures timely and clinically sound admission decisions in alignment with state and local mental health authority guidelines. Additionally, the CRU Assessor serves as backup on-call support when no other coverage is available, assisting with emergent assessment needs. This role is critical in ensuring individuals receive appropriate crisis care in a timely and effective manner.

This position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related behavioral health field required.
• Must hold an active Licensed Professional Healing Arts license (e.g., LPC, LMFT, LCSW) in the State of Texas.
• A minimum of one year's experience conducting mental health assessments, preferably in crisis or residential settings.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
• Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment and ongoing compliance with annual training requirements is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems; of case guidelines, regulations, and policies; of interviewing techniques; of mental illness and the emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of individual needs associated with disabilities; and of community welfare resources.
  

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments for individuals referred to CRU, ensuring eligibility criteria are met prior to admission.

• Conduct telehealth sessions with the individual served and, if applicable, their Legally Authorized Representative (LAR).
• Must respond and begin assessment within 20 minutes and all assessments will be completed in their entirety within 30 minutes of the start of the assessment.

2. Coordinates various required activities associated with clinical CRU assessments.

• Coordinates with nursing staff to ensure completion of nursing assessment.
• Coordinates with CRU staff regarding obtaining prescribed medications prior to transport to CRU.
• Coordinates with CRU staff regarding appropriate transportation to CRU upon approval/acceptance.

3. Utilize approved screening tools, clinical judgment, and established protocols to assess mental health status, risk factors, and stabilization needs.

4. Collaborate with crisis teams, hospitals, law enforcement, and other referral sources to facilitate smooth transitions into the CRU.

5. Document assessments, decisions, and recommendations in compliance with Center policies, Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) guidelines, Information Item V, and other regulatory requirements.

6. Provide consultation to CRU staff regarding assessment findings and clinical considerations for admission.

7. Serve as on-call backup during coverage gaps, responding to emergent assessment needs as required.

8. Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical and legal standards in all interactions with individuals served.

9. Participate in periodic training, supervision, and team meetings as needed.

10. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

• Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.
• Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.
• Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.