Wage band range $21.00 to $33.00 per hour; however, it is ultimately determined by contract obligations, the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. Bilingual in Spanish, preferred and position is eligible to test for a bilingual pay incentive. This position will not be offered as a remote workstyle.

Positions available in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria and employees will work a flexible 40-hour schedule, with mandatory rotating weekends (on-call pay provided during rotating weekends). 

Come work with the best in mental health treatment, where you can make a difference in the lives of children and their families! Casa Pacifica's Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth (SAFTY) program is seeking a Crisis Care Specialist for our Santa Barbara office. SAFTY is a mobile crisis response service available to all of Santa Barbara County children and youth age 20 and under who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency. In collaboration with Casa Pacifica's SAFTY team provides crisis services 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, 7 days a week with the main focus on crisis planning and relationship building with high-risk youth and their families as the primary means of preventing psychiatric hospitalization. This program is structured to provide quick and accessible specialized crisis intervention, in-home support and linkage to county mental health services. SAFTY staff are authorized to place a hold (involuntary placement in a hospital for up to 72 hours) on a child or youth in crisis, if such a placement is necessary to keep a child/youth safe.

SAFTY staff work collaboratively with law enforcement and when a child/youth is already receiving mental health services, SAFTY staff consult and coordinate services with the child's existing treatment team. SAFTY's goal is to prevent psychiatric hospitalization, detention in juvenile detention facilities and to provide linkage to appropriate mental health services.

The Crisis Care Specialist I is responsible for implementing crisis planning and relationship building with high-risk children and families in Santa Barbara County as the primary means of preventing psychiatric hospitalizations, use of an emergency room or use of public resources such as the police.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in development and implementation of pre-crisis services to existing clients of Santa Barbara County Children’s System of Care. This will include the development of a reactive crisis plan (dealing with an immediate crisis) as well as a proactive crisis plan (preventing /reducing crisis).
• Assist children and their families in implementing their reactive crisis plan when needed and in deescalating the crisis situation. Ensure the safety of the child and others in the immediate situation and activate additional resources if needed to ensure the safety of the child and others.
• Works closely with all members of the treatment team of existing clients pertaining to crisis services as outlined in the child’s crisis plan.
• Assist clients and their families in preventing and reducing crisis situations by using behavioral interventions like stress reduction techniques, relaxation training, stress reduction techniques among others.
• Respond to emergency referrals from members of the public (i.e. schools) and crisis services (i.e. law enforcement) immediately via telephone and respond face-to-face within 60 minutes.
• Develop and implement a crisis plan in response to an emergency crisis call and assist the child, family and other involved parties with deescalating the situation and ensuring the safety of the child and others in the immediate situation.
• Follow-up with child and family within 24 hours of responding to an emergency crisis call and assist the family in debriefing the episode and determining what services the family needs in order to prevent future emergencies from arising.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Related Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum with a minimum of two years’ experience working with SED/high risk youth, doing family assessments and treatment, and behavior management. Must have strong organizational, communication and leadership skills. Full time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental, required.
• Must also have a valid CA driver’s license with clean driving record, proof of insurance and abide by Casa Pacifica travel policy. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Casa Pacifica offers:

• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive benefits package, including 401k with up to 5% fully vested employer matching contributions made after first year of service
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance options
• Flexible spending and dependent care programs
• Excellent training opportunities
• Education/tuition assistance programs
• Discount gym and wellness options
• Group Discount Pet Insurance
• Aflac Critical Illness, Accidental & Dental supplemental plan options
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free Confidential Crisis Line 24/7 (365 days a year)
  • 4 face to face or telephonic sessions per issue
    • Stress, Anxiety, Depression
    • Life transitions
    • Grief and Loss
    • Divorce
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Substance Abuse
    • Work-Life Counseling
    • Free Legal and Financial consultations
    • Identity Theft Recovery Services

Casa Pacifica restores hope, enhances resilience, and strengthens community connections for children, young adults, and families.

We are a diverse and inclusive team providing excellent services to all our communities. Our team members are empowered to share their identities, ideas, and perspectives. A culture built on diversity, equity and inclusivity is essential to creating a safe and healing environment at Casa Pacifica.

Casa Pacifica is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer; all applicants will be given full consideration under state, local, and federal law.