Crisis Intervention Specialist, 1st shift

Become a Part of Something Big!

At Keys to Change, employment means contributing to real solutions that make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring across Maricopa County. Our work is guided by our mission of using the power of collaboration to create solutions to end homelessness. Staff across frontline and operational roles support prevention, intervention, and access to housing, with each position connected to measurable outcomes.

We are looking for people who value collaboration, accountability, customer service and practical problem-solving and who want their work to contribute to lasting change.

Keys to Change is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers an attractive health and benefits package for our employees, including towards monthly premiums for Health, Dental, Long- and Short-Term Disability, and Life insurance (employee only), Paid Time Off, 403b, 8 Paid Holidays, and flexible schedule.

Summary

The Crisis Intervention Specialist, 1st shift, is the point of contact for individuals accessing homeless services and experiencing a crisis that could result in homelessness at night. This position is responsible for providing motivational approaches, knowledge of community support resources, and connections to these resources based on individuals' needs, including potential connections to mental health and/or substance abuse concerns and trauma. This individual will also collect demographic information and triage individuals into needs-based services. The 2nd Shift Crisis Intervention Specialist is responsible for greeting all individuals who seek services at the Welcome Center. Responsibilities are determined by the Welcome Center.

The Work You Will Do to End Homelessness

• Identify and triage vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse and/or traumatic crises to available services.
• Collect client demographic information and obtain appropriate releases of information.
• Coordinate with campus partners to facilitate entry into shelter and other campus services
• Utilize diversion strategies to determine if other resources, outside of shelter, will work for the client.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments (VI-SPDAT).
• Provide services in a manner congruent with harm reduction theory, progressive engagement, low-barrier eligibility, trauma-informed care, and national best practices.
• Foster healthy and productive relationships with community collaborates including mental health providers, housing providers, and social service agencies.
• Document client interactions in the HMIS system.
• Oversee the waiting area, assuring all clients are signed in and assuring all clients are treated in a trauma-informed way
• Create and print campus Identification cards for clients
• Engages Clients using best practices, including motivational interviewing, conflict resolution, and crisis de-escalation.
• Maintains adherence to the Keys To Change and campus policies.
• Attends yearly updates for any specific training established for their department or specific to their position
• Adheres to policies regarding working hours, break periods, and proper use of the payroll and benefits system
• Additional duties as assigned
  
  
  

You are a Good fit If You Have the following:

• Must be age 21 or older
• Superior written and verbal communication skills (Spanish a plus).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, clients, and other external contacts.
• Ability to handle sensitive material, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and displaying integrity and sound judgment.
• Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds to lift office supplies and equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant employment experience is a plus.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience providing homeless services or mental health services.
• A healthy knowledge of the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (MMIC) and its systems, local healthcare resources, and the ability to work with individuals with diverse needs
• Effectively communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Be able to model effective engagement strategies
• Maintain productive relationships with colleagues and partner agencies
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
• Awareness and Sensitivity to cultural diversity and alternative lifestyles is essential
• Background Checks and Fingerprint Cards are a Condition of Employment.
• Present a valid Fingerprint clearance card on the first day of employment.