What are the responsibilities and job description for the On-Call Crisis Response Therapist (I-IV) position at Lutheran Family Services?
On-Call Crisis Response Therapist (I-IV)
Job Type
Occasional ( lt;20 hours per week)
Position Summary:
- A Crisis Response Therapist provides timely therapeutic crisis response, mental health assessments, and short-term intervention services for consumers experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Job Duties:
- Provide emergency crisis coverage to law enforcement or other identified partners for adults/youth exhibiting a behavioral health crisis. Provide coverage within necessary time frames.
- Provide onsite mental health assessments and clinical recommendations to law enforcement, other identified partners, and the person(s) in crisis. If requested, phone or telehealth services may occur.
- Assist in de-escalation, with the goal of crisis stabilization, hospital, and jail diversion as appropriate.
- Provide short-term post-crisis stabilization therapy for consumers willing to engage in services.
- Assist clients in identifying natural support and community resources to ensure stabilization.
- Make recommendations to law enforcement or identified partner agency regarding placement needs to ensure safety.
- Develop safety, treatment, and intervention plans as appropriate.
- Provide crisis safety plan for individuals not requiring Emergency Protective Custody (EPC) or hospital placement.
- Complete necessary program documentation within the identified program time frame.
- Maintain programmatic direct service unit expectations, if required.
- Build and maintain a caseload and/or referral base as directed by the supervisor as directed.
- Create, review, and update symptoms and behaviors; adjust required documentation accordingly.
- Design and deliver educational/therapeutic workshops/groups, classes, or programs to meet the identified needs of groups including but not limited to substance use groups, social/coping skills groups, parenting skills groups, etc., as directed.
- Provide behavioral health consultation (collaborate and coordinate multi-disciplinary team-based care with other LFS programs, outside agencies, and medical health homes).
- Provide on-call services on a rotational basis, as required by the program.
- Maintain accurate, written clinical records of services provided per established agency, COA, HIPAA, and CCBHC standards. Complete documentation within established timeframes, including collecting appropriate signatures, registration forms, etc. Sign off, discharge per program plan.
- Complete provider enrollment forms and reports for third-party payers or other entities.
- Provide clinical support to practicum/internship students or less experienced therapists as needed.
- Provide consultation and support training efforts for law enforcement to include ride-alongs, shift change updates, and involvement with the Crisis Intervention Officer Training.
- Develop a positive working relationship with area agencies, including but not limited to, County Boards of Mental Health, Probation, Diversion, State Criminal Justice System, helplines, and DHHS.
- Assist in the promotion of agency mission, services, workshops, and classes.
- For on-call or occasional staff: Provide coverage for identified times, including the period of 4:30 PM to 6:00 AM. Calls from law enforcement or identified partner agencies must be answered within 2 minutes. Employee must be onsite with law enforcement within 30 minutes (within Douglas County) or 60 minutes (within other identified counties).
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Awareness and sensitivity of the organization’s constituents and populations served.
- Ability to document concurrently using electronic software or willingness to learn.
- Ability to deliver services to clients using an interpreter or via telehealth platforms.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Participate in the peer review process, routine clinical supervision, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
- 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.
Education and Experience:
- Master’s Degree from an accredited university in a human service program that provided preparation for professional counseling.
- Bilingual language skills preferred.
- Valid Nebraska Driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and ability to drive for work.
- Demonstrated skills and competencies to work with individuals with a variety of behavioral health, including but not limited to persons of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Obtain and maintain appropriate licensure within a reasonable timeframe (see licensing requirements below)
Position License Required
- Therapist I Provisional License - Mental Health Professional (PLMHP) required
- Therapist II Provisional License - Mental Health Professional (PLMHP) AND Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PLADC) OR Provisional Master Social Worker (PMSW) required
- Therapist III Fully licensed with two full licenses (Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and/or Licensed Alcohol amp; Drug Counselor (LADC) required
- Therapist IV Fully licensed with one independent license preferred (Licensed Independent Mental Health Professional (LIMHP) and/or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
- Fully licensed with 5 years of experience and two full licenses required (Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and/or Licensed Alcohol amp; Drug Counselor (LADC))
Position Competencies:
- Verbal Communication
- Empathy
- Responsibility for Self-Development
- Taking Initiative
- Humility
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Hybrid work environment with laptop (office and field setting, including zoom/telehealth, office locations, and/or in-home).
- Reliable transportation (work-related travel between sites and in the community as needed).
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or on-call or as needed for client care, program demand, and supervisor request.
- Occasional lifting of office items up to 25 pounds.
Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.