Mobile Crisis Specialist I

Summary of Position

The Mobile Crisis Specialist is responsible for providing face-to-face, phone, and telehealth crisis response and assessment services to those individuals who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This position ensures continuity of care through safety planning, service linkage, and follow-up support, while maintaining accurate and timely documentation in accordance with organizational, clinical, and regulatory standards. Mobile Crisis Specialists operate as part of a multidisciplinary crisis response team and contribute to a coordinated system of care that promotes safety, stabilization, and recovery in the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Respond to behavioral health crisis calls in the community, by phone, or via telehealth, providing timely, trauma-informed crisis intervention and stabilization services.
• Conduct rapid, comprehensive assessments of individuals in crisis, including evaluation of safety risk, suicide/homicide risk, and immediate support needs.
• Implement evidence-based de-escalation strategies to safely stabilize individuals experiencing acute psychiatric or emotional distress.
• Develop immediate, practical safety plans in collaboration with individuals served, incorporating natural support and community resources.
• Determine appropriate level of care and facilitate referrals to least restrictive, clinically appropriate services, including outpatient, inpatient, or community-based supports.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency departments, 911/EMS, and other first responders when clinically indicated to ensure safety and continuity of care.
• Complete all required documentation of assessments, interventions, disposition decisions, and follow-up plans accurately and within required timeframes.
• Provide follow-up outreach as assigned to support stabilization, engagement in services, and reduction of future crisis episodes.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including behavioral health providers, hospitals, schools, and community organizations, to ensure coordinated care.
• Maintain professional, culturally responsive, and person-centered interactions with individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in team meetings, clinical supervision, case consultation, and required training, including ongoing competency development in crisis intervention best practices.
• Adhere to organizational policies, performance standards, and regulatory requirements while demonstrating sound clinical judgment in high-pressure situations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal de-escalation and active listening skills in high-stress situations
• Rapid clinical assessment and decision-making in dynamic, unpredictable environments
• Ability to build rapport quickly with individuals in acute emotional distress
• Maintain composure, sound judgment, and professionalism during high-intensity situations
• Work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of local behavioral health systems, resources, and crisis continuum of care.

Qualifications

Bachelor's in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field required. Master's degree preferred. Four years of relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree requirement upon approval.

Experience with community-based service delivery and interdisciplinary collaboration preferred.

Must have valid driver's license and able to drive to community assessments.