Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Crisis Response Clinicians (CRC) work in collaboration with public safety agencies to include law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) under the guidance of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC). As part of this team, the Crisis Response Clinician will respond to 9-1-1 mental health-related calls. The CRC serves as the subject matter expert in triage, assessment, de-escalation, and care navigation. Provides direct services for consumers, and completes associated case management documentation for the consumer and program. Works within a multidisciplinary team to provide an array of direct (face-to-face) and indirect clinical services to adults in a person-centered, trauma-informed, individualized focused approach utilizing evidenced-based practices delivered to fidelity. These services are delivered in multiple types of settings including field-based services in the individual’s home or other identified locations as well as clinic-based services. Individuals served may have multi-system involvement such as Criminal Justice, Child and Adult Welfare, Veterans, Homelessness, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

Adheres to established CHCS Employee Handbook, policies and procedures.
Assesses the social determinants of health on each individual.
Completes all CHCS and contract specific required documents in timely manner and to standard.
Complies with and participates in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement processes.
Coordinates CHCS intake function.
Coordinates coverage for planned absences in advance with supervisor.
Documents all interactions in Electronic Health Record systems.
Employees on this team will perform duties such as an after-hours on-call rotation including weekends and holidays.
Ensures clinical documentation is submitted in accordance with CHCS standards and contract specific requirements.
Identifies and separates new and established patients and links patients back to assigned CHCS care manager or other behavioral health provider.
Participates in coordination and communication with law enforcement and EMS team members on the progress of individuals that are receiving services and navigation during linkage efforts by the team.
Participates in supervision and development opportunities including individual supervision, group supervision, and meetings/trainings as assigned.
Provides direct clinical services and assessments. Develops treatment plan for consumers.
Serves as the primary role to provide aggressive referral, linkage, and transition to the next level of care.
Employees on this team could utilize their own vehicles to support the linkage efforts.
Depending on which team being supported, could carry a caseload of at least 20 individuals.
Monitors the progress of clients when carrying a case load from the initial referral/interactions until satisfactory progress is reached and continuation of service is no longer needed.
Performs other related duties as required.

Program Description

A collaborative effort with First Responders – San Antonio Police Department Mental Health, Bexar County Sheriff Office Mental Health, South Texas Advisory Council (STRAC), Department of Human Services (DHS), EMS Providers – San Antonio Fire Department Mobile Integrated Health Team (MIH) and Acadian Ambulance aimed at addressing 9-1-1 mental health related calls more effectively by responding with a trained multidisciplinary team to divert individuals experiencing a mental health crisis away from jail and emergency departments and instead to the least restrictive environment. Target population is high acuity patients with mental health, homelessness and/or substance use issues. Additionally, there will be cross-training to cover the Integrated Navigation model which performs teleassessments for bed placement purposes and assist with escalated mental health crisis calls, coordination with CHCS liaisons, community entities, and linkage to CHCS services.

Focus efforts include but not limited to:

Identifying consumers currently being treated by CHCS and provide connection back to assigned CHCS case manager to ensure their mental healthcare needs are being met.
De-escalating on scene of a client in crisis by providing crisis intervention to individuals to reduce symptoms, provide education and prevent admission to a more restrictive environment.
Assisting clients with accessing appropriate social services resources (i.e. housing, clothing, identification documentation (IDs), food, water, hygiene materials).
Reducing the utilization of Emergency Detention Orders (EDOs) and assess for least restrictive environment.
Serving as the primary role to provide aggressive referral, linkage and transition to the next level of care.
Reducing the utilization of Emergency Services when possible.
Diverting consumers from jail, emergency rooms and hospitals.
Routing patients to their most appropriate level of care.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Graduate Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related Behavioral Health field, and (3) Three years experience in work experience in behavioral health or related field.
Complete the Qualified Mental Health Professional Community Services (QMHP-CS) within six (6) weeks of hire or transfer
Must pass a CJIS background screening prior to placement (CORE & SMART)
Not required for all other units/programs
Licenses or Certifications
See Preferred Qualifications

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage, be able to travel as needed, and be able to meet on a consistent basis the driving record requirements of the Company’s auto insurance carrier if you drive your vehicle during company business.
Must maintain required credentials and mandatory training requirements to ensure compliance with all State regulations and CHCS policies.
Adhere to established CHCS Employee Handbook, policies and procedures.
Must adhere to all agency, community and facility policies in regards to harassment, discrimination, dress code and conduct in addition to the established CHCS Employee Handbook, policies and procedures.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements to complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) and CPR training including lifting up to 12 lbs. and supporting up to 55 lbs.; bending, stooping and getting on and off the floor without assistance.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) is a proven safe and harm-free method of behavior modification. All consumer-facing employees of CHCS must take NCI courses facilitated by the CHCS Training team within the first 45 days of employment.
NCI is intended to support human service professionals in giving aggressive, disruptive, or out-of-control people the best care and welfare possible, even in the most violent situation.
NCI training provides staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. It focuses on prevention and offers proven strategies for safely defusing anxious, hostile or violent behavior at the earliest possible stage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Current license in good standing in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and/or Licensed Psychologist (LPHD).
Credentialed with all CHCS payers.
One (1) year experience providing similar services, prior experience with or knowledge of trauma-informed care is preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Language Proficiency Pay (LPP) payments are subject to successful testing, certification by CHCS Payroll, and availability of funding. Funding may be renewed in subsequent fiscal years but is not guaranteed.
Prior training and/or experience in field-based services.

SUPERVISION

Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

Applicable software applications
Case management
Center for Health Care Services Safety Administrative Directives.
Crisis Intervention.
Electronic Medical Record and Medical terminology.
Local community resources.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Requirements of Medicaid and other funding resources

Skilled in:

Customer service.
Mental health/substance abuse/homelessness/intellectual disability disorders.
Organization and time management.
Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
Public safety

Ability to:

Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
Ensure compliance with all State regulations and CHCS policies.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Maintain accurate and complete records.
Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to meet the physical requirements to complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) and CPR training including lifting up to 12 lbs. and supporting up to 55 lbs.; bending, stooping and getting on and off the floor without assistance.
Must have adequate mobility that requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching (vertical and horizontal), using fingers, hands, feet, legs and torso in various care.
The position requires occasional transport of a consumer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,893.90 - $83,831.70 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

Addiction Medicine
Psychiatry
Public Health

Schedule:

12 hour shift
8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Night shift
On call
Rotating shift
Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

Have you EVER been convicted of a crime? This includes DWI/DUI; 'no contest' or guilty plea; deferred adjudication, or agreement for eventual dismissal of a criminal case. (Yes/No)
Have you previously been employed with The Center for Health Care Services? (Yes/No)

Education: