Crisis Intervention Specialist (Part-time)

~A complete application should have a cover letter and resume~

PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Crisis Intervention Specialist provides hospital diversion and stabilization support to individuals enrolled in the Intensive Hospital Diversion (IHD) program or awaiting assessment by a Designated Crisis Responder. This position works under general supervision and delivers short-term, community-based support services that promote safety, reduce hospitalization, and assist individuals in accessing needed resources and care.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Crisis Intervention Specialist is distinguished by its focus on hospital diversion, crisis stabilization, and coordination of community-based services under the direction of the Crisis Services Manager. Unlike clinical assessment or Designated Crisis Responder positions, this role provides non-clinical crisis support, safety monitoring, and practical assistance to help individuals remain stable in the least restrictive environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

• Coordinates with the Supervisor, DCRs, and agency staff to deliver hospital diversion and crisis intervention services, supporting stabilization in the least restrictive environment.
• Provides daily contact and crisis-stabilization support, including arranging emergency medications, coordinating transportation, and connecting individuals with needed services to reduce hospitalization risk.
• Assesses acute treatment needs and coordinates services with the primary DCR, medical staff, natural supports, and treatment providers to ensure unified crisis care across settings (home, nursing facility, transitional housing, motel, etc.).
• Identifies and collaborates with the individual’s care team, maintaining communication about treatment information and changes to support consistent interventions.
• Provides referrals to external community resources and coordinates inter-agency services when needs extend beyond agency programs to ensure continuity of care.
• Provides supportive services, including transportation for essential errands, assistance with Activities of Daily Living, and ensuring access to food to promote stabilization and safety.
• Seeks consultation and supervision from designated staff to confirm individuals are safe and receiving appropriate care during crisis intervention.
• Meets and maintains agency competency standards for service coding, billing, and documentation, ensuring regulatory and reimbursement compliance.
• Documents services accurately within established timelines to maintain complete and compliant client records per WAC, RCW, and contractual requirements.
• Provides services that respect individual rights, cultural needs, and primary language, supporting equitable and person-centered care.
• Participates in required trainings, meetings, and reviews, maintaining compliance with agency expectations and enhancing crisis-intervention skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, behavioral health, or closely related field.
• Related experience providing direct services to individuals experiencing behavioral health needs.
• Experience responding to aggressive behaviors using least restrictive interventions.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:   

• Three years of related experience providing behavioral health or crisis-related services.
• Experience responding to mental health emergencies.
• Bilingual/Bicultural.
• Experience working in settings that require use of medical or clinical terminology.
• Experience working within County or Agency procedures or similar public-sector environments.

Professional Licenses/Certifications: 

• Washington State Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential to be maintained as active with the State of Washington.

Other Requirements: 

• Valid WA State Driver’s License and maintain insurability under the County’s vehicle insurance policy, including providing an acceptable driving abstract.   

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is primarily performed in office, community, and field-based settings, including homes, schools, jails, and other community locations.
• May encounter individuals experiencing emotional distress, hostility, or aggressive behavior.
• May work in varied environmental conditions, including exposure to fluctuating temperatures and less-controlled environments when providing services off-site.
• May experience interruptions, moderate noise levels, and changing priorities in shared work environments.
• Duties require regular travel within the community, including driving in varying road and weather conditions; may also require transporting individuals when appropriate.
   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit, stand, walk, for extended periods of time while performing daily duties.
• Operate office equipment, including a computer, phone, and copier. 
• May be required to lift, carry, or move items up to 50 pounds when assisting individuals or transporting items.
• Maintain situational awareness and respond quickly in environments where individuals may be emotionally distressed or physically dysregulated.
• Work may involve limited exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues when responding in the field; universal precautions are required.