Community Crisis Responder

Community Crisis Responder

Description

• Purpose of position: The Community Crisis Responder provides community-based behavioral health crisis intervention in collaboration with law enforcement. Working under general supervision, this position conducts on-scene crisis assessments, stabilizes immediate safety concerns, and facilitates referrals that divert individuals from arrest or unnecessary hospitalization. The role also provides consultation to law enforcement, completes pre-admission screenings for voluntary inpatient or withdrawal management services, and supports coordination among community partners to promote safe and effective crisis resolution.

• Distinguishing characteristics: The Community Crisis Responder is distinguished by its focus on mobile, community-based crisis responses delivered in partnership with law enforcement. Unlike other crisis services roles, this position routinely responds on-scene with deputies, provides behavioral health expertise during law enforcement encounters, and conducts crisis evaluations outside traditional clinical settings. The role also encompasses responsibilities aligned with Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) functions, including Involuntary Treatment Act investigations, and serves as a liaison between Renew, law enforcement, and other community agencies to support coordinated crisis intervention and community stabilization.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

• Responds on-scene with law enforcement to behavioral health crises, to conduct real-time assessments and collaborate with officers to de-escalate situations to promote safety and reduce unnecessary arrests or hospitalizations.

• Performs behavioral health screenings and full clinical evaluations, including assessing risk, mental health symptoms, substance use, and functional needs, to determine appropriate interventions and referrals.

• Responds to individuals and families in crisis and exercises independent judgement to de-escalate situations and determine appropriate next steps.

• Provides prompt responses to crisis calls and service requests, applying consistent discretionary decision-making, to ensure timely and effective crisis intervention.

• Delivers brief therapeutic interventions, using crisis intervention techniques and person-centered, trauma-informed approaches, to reduce distress and support short-term stabilization.

• Facilitates services that support community reintegration, coordinating care and removing barriers, to help individuals return successfully to their preferred environments.

• Develops crisis plans with individuals, collaborating with natural supports and community partners, to outline actionable strategies for managing future crises.

• Collaborates with external professionals and service providers, building and maintaining effective working relationships, to improve coordination and continuity of care.

• Applies clinical knowledge and skills, tailoring interventions to the cultural, developmental, and individual needs of those served, to provide appropriate and effective care.

• Maintains accurate and timely records, ensuring documentation meets Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), contractual, and agency standards, to support compliance and continuity of care.

• Participates in required trainings and agency or community meetings, staying current with procedures, standards, and best practices, to maintain competency in crisis response.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Education, Experience, and Licensing

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in social or behavioral sciences or closely related field.

• Meets the definition of a Mental Health Professional as outlined in current WACs and RCWs.

• Two years of related experience in the direct treatment of individuals and families with emotional or behavioral disorders.

• Experience conducting clinical assessments, including risk, suicide, crisis, and diagnostic evaluations.

• Experience responding to aggressive or escalated behaviors using least-restrictive interventions.

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience in crisis response or emergency behavioral health services.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders or co-occurring conditions.
• Experience using electronic or clinical documentation systems.
• Experience providing treatment across age groups (children, adults, families).
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Washington State Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential.
• Must obtain Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) status within six months of hire date.

Other Requirements:

• Valid WA State Driver’s License and maintain insurability under the County’s vehicle insurance policy including having/providing an acceptable driving abstract.

• Working Conditions and Environment

• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office environments, law enforcement vehicles, jails, community locations, individuals’ homes, and other field sites.

• May encounter individuals experiencing emotional distress, hostility, intoxication, or aggressive behavior.

• May be exposed to variable conditions and working environments, especially when responding in the field.

• Regularly works in close collaboration with law enforcement and may respond to unpredictable or high-stress situations.

• May experience interruptions, urgent requests, or moderate noise levels in shared or law enforcement workspaces.

• Duties require frequent travel throughout the county, including driving in varied road and weather conditions and transporting clients when appropriate.

• Work hours may vary and can include evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call assignments depending on operational needs.

• Physical Abilities

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit, stand, walk, and move between locations in community and field settings throughout the workday.

• Operate office equipment, including a computer, phone, and copier.

• Operate a motor vehicle for client outreach, field response, and collaboration with law enforcement.

• May be required to lift, carry, or move items up to 25 pounds in the course of routine duties.

• Frequent need for rapid mobility when responding to crisis situations in community locations.

• Work may involve limited exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues when responding in the field; universal precautions are required.

• Note: This position is represented by the Teamsters Local Union #760.

• Benefits include Annual Leave, Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Grant County Health Insurance, Washington Dental Service Dental Insurance Coverage, Flexible Spending Account, Life and AD&D Insurance, PERS or LEOFF Retirement, Supplemental Retirement/Deferred Compensation, supplemental Life & AD&D, LTD Insurance.

• End of description.