What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crisis Response Specialist position at Lutheran Family Services?
Job Type
Full-Time
Position Summary:
Crisis Response
Full-Time
Position Summary:
- The Crisis Response Specialist supports individuals and families with high needs as they seek access to behavioral health and community services. This role provides timely crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning. This specialist guides clients through the intake process, reduces barriers to care, and connects them to appropriate support. Early engagement, screening for urgent needs, and helping clients navigate systems from first contact to their initial appointment is the primary focus of this role.
Crisis Response
- Respond in real-time to individuals in crisis via phone, walk-in, referral, or community outreach.
- Conduct initial assessments to evaluate risk of harm and determine the appropriate level of care.
- Collaborate with emergency services, law enforcement, mobile crisis teams, and community partners.
- Use trauma-informed approaches and crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations.
- Develop and document safety plans, crisis response strategies, and care coordination steps.
- Identify and respond to urgent safety needs in collaboration with clinical or crisis teams.
- Conduct screenings to identify economic, psychosocial, and safety-related needs.
- Provide outreach and engagement support to help clients access services.
- Assist clients with registration forms and resolving documentation gaps.
- Connect clients to community resources including medical, behavioral, residential, and entitlement services.
- Facilitate service access through in-person or telehealth appointments.
- Educate clients on rights, available services, and system navigation including digital tools.
- Provide coverage during designated on-call hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
- Respond to calls within 2 minutes and arrive onsite within 1 hour (2 hours in rural areas).
- Commit to covering at least five shifts per month, including one weekend or holiday shift.
- High degree of initiative, accountability, and follow-through.
- Awareness and sensitivity of the populations served by the agency, and ability to integrate cultural considerations into service delivery.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent organizational skills, critical thinking skills, and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment.
- Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
- Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
- Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be an inclusive and accessible workplace.
- Empathy
- Helping Others
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Relationship Builder
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
- Two years of relevant experience, such as working in case management-related roles or crisis-related roles, required.
- Certified Peer Support Specialist preferred or obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
- Bilingual in English and another language preferred. Desired languages mirror our client populations and may include Spanish, Arabic, and/or Kurdish.
- Demonstrated skills and competencies to work with individuals regarding a variety of behavioral health needs.
- Work environment will be predominantly in-office and in the field.
- Valid driver’s license, liability auto insurance, and ability to drive personal vehicle for work.
- Travel to various locations to support client services, as needed and as applicable by region.
- Company-issued laptop.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends (as needed).
- Occasional lifting of office items no more than twenty-five (25) pounds.