Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) Technician

Job Title: Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) Services Technician

Reports to: Crisis and Substance Use Services Director and Crisis Center Nurse Manager

Position Summary

The MCAT Services Technician provides on-site, in-person crisis intervention and stabilization for individuals of all ages experiencing behavioral or emotional distress. This position is responsible for conducting crisis assessments, developing action and safety plans, coordinating resources, and facilitating referrals to appropriate levels of care. The MCAT Services Technician promotes de-escalation, recovery, and community-based stabilization through trauma-informed, person-centered interventions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and safely to community locations to provide face-to-face intervention for individuals in behavioral health crisis within the assigned service area.
• Conduct crisis assessments and determine appropriate levels of care using standardized screening tools and clinical judgment.
• Collect medical, mental health, and social history data to assist in care planning and triage decisions.
• Develop individualized action and safety plans with clients and/or families to reduce risk and stabilize the crisis.
• Coordinate referrals and link clients to appropriate mental health, medical, and community resources to ensure continuity of care.
• Document all contacts, assessments, and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 24 and agency standards.
• Collect and report required Chapter 24 demographic and encounter data for each mobile crisis response.
• Conduct follow-up contacts to ensure linkage to services and compliance with safety or treatment recommendations.
• Engage individuals with non-compliance in court-ordered treatment to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations or law enforcement involvement, complete required court documentation, and provide updates or recommendations to the court as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard client information consistent with HIPAA and agency policy.
• Maintain readiness of crisis response equipment, supplies, and vehicle safety standards.
• Participate in paid on-call rotations, including weekends and holidays, as assigned.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care coordination, quality improvement, and performance management initiatives.
• Adhere to safety and infection control procedures; maintain a clean, secure, and therapeutic work environment.
• Utilize appropriate de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques per training and policy.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with training, mentoring, or shadowing of new MCAT staff as assigned.
• Represent Siouxland Mental Health Center positively during community interactions and partner engagements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and crisis services.

Core Competencies

• Crisis Intervention: Effectively responds to individuals in acute distress using de-escalation, active listening, and safety planning.
• Assessment & Judgment: Gathers, interprets, and applies clinical information to determine risk and appropriate intervention level.
• Communication: Maintains clear, compassionate, and professional communication with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Ethical Conduct: Adheres to confidentiality, professional boundaries, and the ethical standards of behavioral health practice.
• Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, and other service providers to ensure client safety and support.
• Cultural Competence: Delivers services that are culturally responsive and trauma-informed.
• Documentation: Completes timely, accurate, and thorough EHR documentation to meet compliance and accreditation standards.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in work hours, assignments, and crisis environments.
• Professionalism: Maintains composure and ethical integrity in high-stress and unpredictable situations.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• One of the following combinations, in accordance with IAC 441–Chapter 24 Mobile Crisis Response standards:
• Bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours (or equivalent) in a human services field (e.g., psychology, social work, nursing, education) and one (1) year of experience in behavioral or mental health services; OR
• Law enforcement officer with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in law enforcement; OR
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in emergency medical services; OR
• Peer Support Specialist or Family Peer Support Specialist with at least one (1) year of experience in behavioral or mental health services; OR
• Bachelor’s (non-human services), Associate’s degree, or High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of two (2) years of behavioral or mental health experience and completion of 30 hours of mental health/crisis in-service training, in addition to 30 hours of DHS-approved training.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with electronic health records (EHR).
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Preferred:

• Certification in behavioral intervention or de-escalation program(s) [i.e. Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), CPI, and/or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).]
• Experience in mobile crisis response, community-based behavioral health, or emergency services.
• Familiarity with Siouxland region community resources.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,690 - $62,811