Community Crisis Responder

Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) is hiring Community Crisis Responder I’s as part of the expansion of the Community Crisis Response (CCR) Unit. These positions will be responsible for being the first-line responder as a part of a team with other CCR team members and will report to a Community Crisis Responder Supervisor.

CARE manages Seattle’s 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency response, working with other Public Safety Departments, including Seattle Police and Seattle Fire, to ensure a safe and healthy community. CARE expands the city’s ability to enhance public safety through Dual Dispatch, which provides additional mental health professionals to respond to people experiencing non-violent mental health crises or quality of life concerns.

Seattle 9-1-1 processes more than 900,000 telephone calls for service annually, the majority of which result in the dispatch of police, fire, rescue, and Community Crisis Responders.

The CCR Units operate on shifts to ensure citywide coverage seven days a week. Community Crisis Responders will be scheduled for 40 hours a week with the potential for overtime.

• Provide rapid response and crisis intervention to individuals who have come to the attention of Seattle 9-1-1.
• Assess individuals to rapidly identify urgent needs related to substance use disorder, mental illness, environmental threats, and personal safety to determine best course for care or to recommend ongoing case management (medical care, substance use treatment, therapeutic support, etc.)
• Recommend to persons in crisis appropriate governmental and nonprofit supports and programs (such as SSI, ABD, VA services), or to identify shelter options and housing support.
• Support and promote alternatives to jail and hospitalization to stabilize and improve the outcomes for community members experiencing behavioral or mental health crises.
• Act as a liaison to coordinate services between community members in crisis and appropriate agencies; provide up to 30 days of care navigation to ensure appropriate service provision.
• Prepare written status reports or case management notes. Document interviews, observations, and recommendations in database, in compliance with HIPAA and department policy and ethical standards.
• Participate in departmental meetings providing insight and trend data concerning crisis intervention issues.
• Collaboratively work with other Community Crisis Responders, Clinical Supervisor, and Department leadership to determine client eligibility for programs and authorize and/or recommend appropriate services.
• Develop and promote collaborative working relationships with service providers and other Seattle first responders to ensure quality care for community members.
• Manage internal project/caseload initiatives as assigned by supervisor and CARE leadership.
• Maintain communication with City of Seattle departments and partner agencies and conduct site visits as needed to worksite agencies to ensure compliance with personnel and employment laws, practices, and procedures.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• A minimum of 1-year experience working with individuals with mental, substance abuse, behavioral, or emotional health concerns (or a combination of education and or training and or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
• Current Washington State driver's license.
• Selected candidates are required to pass a background check.

• Working experience with DSHS workers, chemical dependency treatment providers, mental health providers, healthcare providers, shelter providers, landlords, detox centers, medical clinics and other community programs which may support vulnerable participants.
• Effective communication skills including written, active listening, and non-verbal communication.
• Effective skills in case investigation and management, evaluation of facts/circumstances and clients and crisis management.
• High cultural and emotional intelligence. Strong commitment to dignity and respect for all persons.

• Work is partly performed in a busy 24/7 call center environment.
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Required to work rotating shifts.
• Required to be exposed to adverse weather conditions.
• Exposed to toxic / hazardous / biohazard substances.
• Required to operate automotive vehicles.
• Required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work involves sensitive contact with people who are in crisis and / or may be utilizing substances.

This position is a Represented position and is part of the City of Seattle Step…