Description CRISIS INTERVENTION / PREVENTION SPECIALIST CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK The Crisis Specialist provides in-depth assessment and direct crisis intervention/prevention to individuals experiencing acute episodes of emotional/behavioral distress. The Crisis Specialist is responsible for obtaining pertinent data to determine the level of services needed, make adequate referrals and insure that necessary services are provided. The Crisis Specialist is responsible for developing a plan addressing the full continuum of care appropriate for the individual. EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITIES • Maintains documentation as evidence that all duties are completed in accordance with program requirements contained in the Department of Mental Health Operational Standards. • Maintains proper training, continuing education, qualifications, and other certifications required for this position as written in the Department of Mental Health Operational Standards. • Provides immediate emergency crisis intervention services including written assessments • Provides group and individual intervention/prevention direct services to children and adults in a community setting • Conducts Intake evaluation interviews on individuals determined to be in need of outpatient mental health services and ensure that the consumer and records are routed appropriately • Assists Crisis Services Coordinator establishment and maintenance of relationships with other agencies and providers of social services • Works cooperatively with county Board of Supervisors, Judges, Chancery Court and other officials in coordinating services • Collects data and prepares consumer histories based on interview with consumer, family and other collateral contacts • Maintains case records of work assigned • Consults w/Region 8 therapists, community support specialists, psychiatrists, pharmacists & RNs • Performs public relation activities associated with crisis services within county and Region 8 • Provides 24-7 telephone access to county for behavioral health crises in cooperation w/ on-call team • Provides access to face to face services as needed during and outside of normal office hours • Provides consultation and education regarding crisis services to community as needed • Participates in continuing education to continue to improve intervention skills • Provides of a minimum of 5 hours of direct consumer service per day • Communicates concerns/issues regarding crisis procedures to Adult Services Director • Completes required monthly documentation relating to crisis program activity • Assists consumers & court system in establishing/locating inpatient beds as needed • All other duties as assigned by Supervisors QUALIFICATIONS • Must possess a master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or other mental health related field. • Must be a resident of county in which crisis services will be provided. • Must have a valid Mississippi driver’s license. • Must pass a criminal background check. REPORTING SUPERVISOR Center Administrator, Center Coordinator and Clinical Directors