Overview

Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region (MHA-WVR) is north central Indiana’s leading mental health and substance use advocacy organization dedicated to providing overall mental wellness and recovery for all Hoosiers. A state affiliate of Mental Health America National, MHA-WVR works to impact individuals directly affected by mental illness and addiction, as well as policymakers and other key stakeholders, through public education, advocacy, direct service, and public health reform.

Crisis Specialists provide evidence-informed crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and information & referral to individuals who contact the MHA-WV Crisis Line and 988 Lifeline in emotional distress, particularly those at high risk for suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and behaviors. Individuals seeking help range from those just needing a listening ear, to those with thoughts and/or plans related to suicide, to those simply seeking mental health resources for themselves or others. The 988 Lifeline helpline team works to ensure those who contact us have a safe place to turn to in times of crisis. Crisis Specialists interact with clients via phone. The position provides an opportunity to gain a wide range of skills and is an ideal position for individuals who are interested in helping others and contributing to their community.

Specific Duties

· Provide strengths-based, unbiased crisis support to all individuals who call or text into the Crisis Line. Conduct assessments in accordance with program policies & procedures.

· Ensure the highest standard for the delivery of evidence based or evidence informed crisis support, including those related to suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

· Utilize resource referral database to provide information and referral assistance to callers seeking mental health, substance abuse service, and other supportive program assistance.

· Following a call, initiate additional care, support, and connection to an individual in need through the Navigator program.

• Maintain web-based case-notes to summarize an individual’s needs and any resources provide. Accurately and efficiently document caller interactions.

· Provide follow-up to high-risk callers reporting suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and behaviors.

· Adhere to policies & procedures for each service offered with an emphasis on confidentiality.

· Complete at least 6 hours of Continuing Education yearly.

· Other duties as assigned.

Maintain Professional Work Environment

• Ensure professionalism in the workspace and when using any of the communication platforms.
• Fully interact with your team, including communicating while on shift via Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, and other mediums as assigned.
• Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of each caller and their information
• Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of your colleagues' information

Qualifications

· Fluency in English language both oral and written.

· Efficiency with information-gathering, and problem-solving to facilitate resolution of inquiries.

· Has a strong ability to multitask while remaining present and attuned to callers who may be in their darkest hour.

· Can apply effective crisis intervention skills, suicide prevention and intervention strategies, and problem-solving techniques when responding to individuals in crisis.

· Active listening skills to establish rapport and trust when communicating with callers.

· Superior communication skills to convey information clearly, accurately, and completely.

· Ability to maintain professional demeanor when handling crisis and other difficult contacts.

· Maintain a positive attitude while working, always representing the Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region Crisis Line and its partnering entities by providing excellent customer service and responding to each individual in a professional, nonjudgmental, empathic, and culturally appropriate manner.

· Has developed and practices an ongoing self-care routine.

· Possess a strong self-regulation skill set when working in any subject that may trigger past trauma or emotional stress.

· Can adapt to immediate changes in policies and procedures.

· Must successfully complete the Crisis Specialist Training.

Experience

· Two years of experience (preferred) in delivering crisis response/stabilization and resources to individuals and families.

· A well-rounded knowledge base of crisis de-escalation, suicide intervention, social service agencies, mental health resources, substance use resources, coping strategies, and crisis intervention is preferred.

· Must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

· A Crisis Specialist should also be comfortable with navigating computers, web-based technology, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, and other platforms as assigned and trained on.

Education

· High School Diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements and Environment:

· To accomplish the essential functions of the position, one must be physically able to frequently and routinely:

o Walking short distances

o Bending, stooping, twisting

o Reaching above and/or below the shoulder

o Handling/grasping documents or office equipment

o Sitting and/or standing for short or extended periods of time

· Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately in person and/or on the telephone.

· Vision sufficient to read source materials and computer screen data

· Repetitive motions for computer equipment use

· Requires exertion of force of 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, and/or 5 pounds continuously to lift/carry/move objects, files, and documents

· Work is performed primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment

Work Location

· On-site at 913 Columbia Street, Lafayette, IN 47901

· Work Authorization United States (Required).

· Successful candidates must pass a Background Check upon hire.

Schedule

· Position is part-time.

· Position requires a Monday through Sunday availability, weekends, and rotating holidays.

Salary: From $17 to $18.00 per hour

Benefits

· Access to onsite gym and wellness center.

· Employee Assistance Program.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 16 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Lafayette, IN 47901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person