Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is excited to hire for our new Crisis team in Adams and Juneau County. The employee will have to be within an hour drive of the counties and will only cover overnights and weekends.

Our team is responsible for responding to crisis calls, completing risk assessments and providing mobile response as appropriate. This position also documents all client contact, follows up with county crisis staff as needed, develops and maintains relationships with other departments, the court system, and law enforcement.

When called in the Crisis Service Professional will earn $26 an hour, work outside of crisis response - $20 an hour. Flexible On call schedule with shift stipend.

At Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI, the health and safety of our colleagues and clients is our top priority! LSS is regularly reviewing OSHA and CDC recommendations and guidelines to stay abreast of the ever changing Covid-19 pandemic. LSS employees may be required to mask regardless of vaccination status when indoors and in the presence of clients or colleagues. Employees are expected to adhere to agency protocols. .

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Gather data from client interviews, past records, other information, to gain understanding and verification of previous disorders and treatment episodes.
• Provide assessments to identify treatment needs of the client.
• Provide follow up services for clients in crisis as assigned. This includes home visits, or if inpatient, hospital visits. You may also have a need to meet one on one with the client in office, sheriff’s department, or other community setting.
• Provide brief crisis counseling to clients.
• Respond with Mobile Crisis Response when called.
• Respond to potential suicide or other emergency telephone calls.
• Assess clients' needs.
• Provide clients with necessary or appropriate information regarding services offered by the Human Services Department or community.
• Recommend to management changes or gaps in the system that prevent or hinder the delivery of services.
• Prioritize and organize time to cover assigned area.
• Develop and maintain resources appropriate to needs of the client population.
• Consult with other professionals in the field and in related fields to increase individual knowledge and understanding of various disciplines, changes, and developments in the field of Human Services.
• Develop and maintain an effective body of knowledge regarding laws and procedures affecting clients.
• Document all work to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements.
• Complete all other duties as assigned

• Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations
• Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field is preferred. Related field includes criminal justice, educational psychology, vocational rehabilitation, guidance counseling, social work, sociology, etc. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered
• Minimum one-year experience with mental health clients strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn DHS and Wisconsin State Statutes, 51 and 55
• Ability to respond to crises and make appropriate assessments as to resolution.
• Ability to work independently and multitask.
• Maintain effective working relationships with a diverse client population.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the worker is regularly required to sit at a desk, some filing, answering the phone, computer usage and driving. This position may bend/stoop, crouch, climb stairs and kneel. This position requires the ability to access a variety of locations in the community. The employee must react appropriately in times of crisis.

The incumbent of this position works in an office environment. The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions when traveling on company business.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

TRAVEL: Ability to travel on day trips as required; at least 50%. Some overnight travel may be required. 

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.