Mobile Crisis Team - Crisis Support Worker

The Mobile Crisis Team Crisis Support Worker (MCT-CSW) is responsible for responding to mobile crisis dispatches in the Santa Fe county community. The MCT-CSW will provide person-centered support for individuals experiencing acute mental health, behavioral health, and substance use crises across the lifespan. The Crisis Support Worker provides a wide range of interventions and support techniques to ensure crisis de-escalation and stabilization. Duties include timely triage of and response to requests for dispatch from 988, first responders, clients, and their support systems; admissions, screenings and evaluation, assessments, and safety planning; crisis intervention and de-escalation; and referrals to the least-restrictive community behavioral health and medical services that are appropriate for the client’s level of care needs. This position works closely with other Santa Fe Recovery Center (SFRC) programs under the CCBHC model of care, and is cross-trained to assist in Peer Respite Center operations.

REPORTING:

Reports to the Crisis Services Director

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide crisis support services to clients in the community of all ages who are referred to Crisis Services.
• Work with the SFRC interdisciplinary team and local partners such as law enforcement, first responders, and community agencies to promote crisis stabilization and connecting referrals to services.
• Show a positive, empathetic, respectful, and professional approach with clients and their support systems that upholds their safety and comfort.
• Consult with other disciplines and related staff to support the specific needs of clients.
• Always maintain professionalism and appropriate boundaries with clients. Instances of existing/former dual relationships are reported to supervisor and HR in alignment with SFRC policies and procedures.
• Completes admissions, screening and assessments, safety plans, discharges, referrals, progress notes, and other required documentation consistent with Crisis Services delivery on the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and BHL dispatching platform software.
• Safely transport clients of all ages to the appropriate level of care, as indicated.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with State and Federal law, including HIPAA and 42CFR Part 2 confidentiality standards, and perform duties in accordance with SFRC Code of Ethics and Policies and Procedures.
• Receive training in AED, BLS, Mental Health First Aid, crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed care, cultural relevancy, mobile crisis services, and other crisis continuum practices.
• Engage with clients in the Peer Respite Center and assist with program operations, such as admissions, crisis stabilization and de-escalation, safety planning, and referrals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

1. Ability to respond calmly, profess ionally, and effectively when the client may be escalated, agitated, or unpredictable, and during mental health or substance use emergencies and crisis situations.

2. Demonstrated commitment to respect for a variety of cultures and identities.

3. Ability to build rapport with clients.

4. Ability to maintain health, safety, and infection control standards.

5. Ability to work independently and make informed, ethical decisions while responding to dispatches.

6. Ability to solve unexpected problems as they arise while considering liability and other possible impacts on the program, services, or organization, and utilize supervision and consultation appropriately.

7. Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing.

8. Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn MS Office, electronic health record documentation, and other computer skills.

9. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all SFRC staff and external stakeholders, operating as a team player.

10. Ability to set boundaries and use fair, consistent expectations.

11. Ability to exercise tact, patience, and discretion when dealing with clients, families, staff, and the public.

12. Ability to keep observations, conversations, and information confidential.

Required Education and Experience:

1. Certification requirements:

a. Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) current certification or eligibility (over the age of 18, High School Diploma or GED, and a minimum of three years personal experience with sustained mental health or substance use recovery with documentation from two non-relative references in support of the recovery journey); OR

b. Certified Family Peer Support Worker (CFPSW) current certification or eligibility (over the age of 18, High School Diploma or GED, and experience with familial

minor child(ren) who have navigated mental health or substance use services, the juvenile justice system, and/or CYFD, with documentation from two non-relative references in support of their experience; OR

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic current licensure and Certified Community Support Worker (CCSS) current certifications are accepted in addition to meeting the CPSW/CFPSW requirements.

3. At least one year of direct practice employment experience in mental health, substance use, or crisis settings.

4. Must have and maintain a current, valid NM Driver’s License. Must provide and maintain a clean driving record, as well as auto insurance.

5. Maintain BLS, AED, First Aid, and crisis de-escalation certification cards on file.

6. Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural preferred (English/Spanish/Dine).