Crisis Call Dispatch Specialist

Position Summary
Working together with St. Louis City 911 call dispatchers, the CCDS will provide immediate telephone assistance to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This includes completing clinical assessments to determine and implement appropriate level of care and service to callers. This position is onsite, stationed in the St. Louis City 911 dispatch center.

Essential Functions:

• Support the 911 dispatch center and follow Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Call Center policies.
• Perform high quality clinical assessment. Display courtesy and sensitivity when conducting telephone triage interviews with clients that are experiencing problems.
• Proficiently handle inbound call volume while providing a high level of service and staying within standardized time constraints.
• Efficiently and accurately enter information from callers into electronic database system.
• Interpret vague situations presented by challenging callers.
• Prepare documentation in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify situations requiring the dispatch of BHR Crisis Response Unit (CRU) or Non-Police Response Clinicians to provide appropriate services for calls that cannot be diverted via phone.

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Education, Experience and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social services, or criminal justice related field and/or certified peer/recovery specialist; Qualified Mental Health Professional preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in the mental health field within the private or public sector.
• Working knowledge of the St. Louis Area Mental Health Network, the Crisis Intervention Model, and the DSM-V.
• Must work well individually and as part of a team.
• Must be flexible with work hours and special requests from supervisors.
• Thorough clinical assessment skills.
• Capable of learning and adhering to multiple protocols for handling calls.
• Ability to use computer system and talk on phone while typing.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with excellent customer service skills.
• Adaptable and able to quickly adjust in a fast-paced work environment.
• Meet all regulatory requirements of external partners, including vaccinations and background checks as required.

At BHR, we believe that every team member has an integral role in the lifesaving treatment we provide. We are a trauma informed agency, and we hire people who are passionate about our mission and are committed to improving the lives of those we serve through our trauma informed models of practice.

Behavioral Health Response is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, national origin, or any other legally protected status.