Overview

FLSA: Non-Exempt. The primary purpose of this position is to respond to adults/adolescents/children who are experiencing mental health crises, within La Crosse County. Mental health crises may include individuals who pose a threat of harm to themselves or others, are experiencing an increase in symptoms, or are otherwise in need of mental health support. Response may include phone or on-site evaluation and support. This is a rewarding, fast-paced and challenging role, ideal for a person with a strong sense of empathy, decision making skills and ability to collaborate with community partners. Wisconsin Certified Crisis Program paid training is provided at onset of employment. Employees work remotely on an on-call/call-in basis as part of the Integrated Support & Recovery Services (ISRS) Section of the La Crosse County Department of Human Services. Employee is responsible to the ISRS Crisis Supervisor, the Crisis Program Clinical Director and the ISRS Manager.

Essential Job Functions

Responds both by phone and in-person to evaluate adults/adolescents/children/families who are experiencing mental health crises.

Works closely with law enforcement agency staff, hospital emergency room staff and other mental health professionals, as well as support persons, to determine the needs of the individual and develop ways to meet the needs while also providing for safety and stabilization of the individual and community.

Provides on-call coverage for Mobile Crisis Services on a rotating basis with other similarly employed persons to cover shifts as listed below:
Early Shift-Weekdays (Mon. through Fri.) 5: 00 PM to 11: 00 PM
Late Shift-Weekdays (Mon. through Fri.) 11: 00 PM to 7: 30 AM
Day Shift-Weekends (Sat. and Sun.) 7: 30 AM to 4: 30 PM
Early Shift-Weekends (Sat. and Sun.) 4: 30 PM to 11: 00 PM
Late Shift-Weekends (Sat. and Sun.) 11: 00 PM to 7: 30 AM
---Will be expected to cover at least eight shifts per month, including rotating holidays.

Carries a cell phone and laptop and is connected with law enforcement, emergency rooms and other referring parties by an answering service.

Responds to calls by phone and also performs on-site, face-to-face crisis intervention and mental health assessment services at various locations, within La Crosse County, including hospital emergency rooms, residences, and other locations in conjunction with law enforcement and other program staff.

Assesses adults/adolescents/children for risk of harm to self and others, using standardized clinical tools.
Assesses nature of presenting problem and makes care recommendations to emergency room physicians.

Arranges for stabilization services in residential and/or outpatient settings. Develops Assessment and Response Plans for persons experiencing crisis.

Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and apply.

Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking.

Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change and emotional intelligence.

Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically.

Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work.

Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships.

Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.

Participates in multidisciplinary dispositional staff meetings, regular supervisory/training sessions, and conferences and in-service training as required.

Uses laptop computer database to perform data entry into an electronic health record.

Completes up to 40* hours of initial training on crisis assessment and response within the first ninety (90) days of employment (*20 hours for experienced mental health professionals).

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative, respectful and non-judgmental at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.

Physical demands: Large percentage of time is spent talking and hearing. A smaller portion of time is spent sitting, using near and far vision, typing, and carrying equipment weighing approximately 15 lbs. A limited amount of time is spent standing, walking, and climbing (using feet and legs). There is the threat of physical attack or injury from clients in unusual situations. Uses automobile, laptop, and cell phone. Uses independent judgment and coping skills and works under pressure and duress. Drives vehicle in all weather conditions.

Related Job Functions
May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays or during community emergencies and/or disasters, when work may vary from normal job responsibilities.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to relate effectively to individual persons with mental illness and/or family members; ability to relate positively and constructively to difficult clients and to clients who do not organize their thoughts well.

Ability to relate positively to other community service agencies in the provision of service to persons with mental illness, family members and persons experiencing crisis situations.

Familiarity with federal, state and local laws related to services for the treatment of persons with mental illness and the special confidentiality concerns related to emergency situations.

Ability to operate a computer and update an electronic health record.

Ability to be non-judgmental, empathic and provide comfort to persons with mental illness.

Ability to prioritize and problem-solve efficiently and effectively in high-stress situations.

Knowledge in family dynamics, including the out of home care system.

Knowledge in Children's service system.

Knowledge and skills in defusing behavioral challenges.