Crisis Intervention Specialist; CIS), HART Program

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Under the direction of the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) Operations Manager and Assistant Operations Manager, the Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) works in partnership with the HART EMT to form the Response Team. The CIS is responsible for assessing and providing information, resources, strategies, and outreach to individuals experiencing social welfare, mental, and/or behavioral health issues. The CIS engages in informed decision‑making using best practices in crisis response and makes linkages to services.

The CIS provides the appropriate level of response and intervention that includes but is not limited to safely and actively engaging community members in non‑enforcement strategies and tactics such as de‑escalation, harm reduction, and trauma‑informed care. The CIS may transport and/or arrange transportation services for community members in need.

• Respond to calls for non‑emergency community care and social concerns, and provide on‑site response that includes screening and assessing an individual's physical, mental, and social condition to determine stabilization and level of care needed.
• Aim to resolve needs on‑scene using active engagement strategies and tactics to assess the community member's needs, mitigate risk and potential issues, and link to appropriate resources for follow‑up with the goal of long‑term self‑sufficiency.
• Maintain community members' confidentiality, except when the individual has granted consent and/or in instances of imminent harm to self or others, and/or where required to report by law.
• Maintain a collegial working relationship with dispatch and other first responders, and collaborate to make informed decisions related to best practices for crisis management, determination of need for immediate transport for care, and consideration for responding to incidents involving a minor.
• Transport community member and/or arrange transportation to services, as needed and appropriate.
• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately, in detail, and submitted before end of shift.
• Perform daily vehicle inspection check, equipment and supply checks to ensure all are in good working condition before and after shift.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274‑5445 or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in social work, Public Health, Human Services, Psychology, or other health related field

• At least three (3) years of experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field
• Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire)

• All CIS employees are to complete all required HART training and continued education as assigned.
• Ability to coordinate activities closely with others in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate Verbal / Written English.
• Ability to take direction and adapt to changing situations/job duties.
• Ability to de‑escalate complex situations by using Trauma Informed Care and harm reduction practices.
• Must possess the ability to write simple correspondence or reports.
• Must possess the ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to other employees and/or managers.
• Must have a clean…