Mental Health Crisis Responders I’s will co-respond to non-emergent 911 calls in partnership with a Community Health Medical Responder (EMT). The Mental Health Crisis Responder I responds to sub-acute behavioral health and substance use-related crises that present no criminal intent, fire, or medical emergency. The incumbent provides crisis intervention, de-escalation, risk assessment, and other brief behavioral health interventions to clients who are in emotional distress. The incumbent will consider the psychosocial aspects of the behavioral health crisis and engage in appropriate resource and/or service coordination to address precipitating factors and resolve the presenting crisis. The Mental Health Crisis Responder I is distinguished from the Mental Health Crisis Responder II in that the level II provides case consultation and clinical supervision and support to the Mental Health Crisis Responder I’s. As the Mental Health Crisis Responder I, you will be responsible for the following:Provide immediate mobile crisis response to service calls dispatched through the 911 system in the city of Portland per program policies and procedures. Effectively engage with diverse clients across social, cultural, and economic differences in a respectful and collaborative manner. Identify and assess risk factors for harm to self or others in the context of the client’s current psycho-social state via interview with client and with consideration given to collateral information. Consider and articulate potential outcomes of various interventions, discuss their risks and benefits, and formulate why a particular course of action was pursued in lieu of other options. Apply principles of client-centered and trauma-informed, opting for the least intrusive and most supportive intervention. Effectively implement behavioral interventions such as collaborative problem-solving, short-term goal setting, and risk reduction/safety planning in a client-centered manner. Engage in resource and service coordination to de-escalate and resolve the presenting crisis. Coordinate responses to crisis situations with community agencies and service providers. Consult with fellow crewmembers, supervisors, program managers, and bureau leadership as appropriate. Escalate difficult or complex issues and/or cases and assignments to Mental Health Crisis Responder II. Document and maintain electronic medical records (EMR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures, and local, state, and federal regulations. Support program continuous quality improvement (CQI) efforts by participating in chart review and maintaining accurate documentation of key goals, outcomes, and indicators to ensure high-quality client care. Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, other departmental or bureau meetings, and relevant local and regional trainings. Complete employee training requirements in a timely manner as indicated in the requirements for the bureau and applicable licensing boards. Attend seminars, training, and other educational opportunities to develop professional skills and abilities. Physical Demands: May move equipment weighing up to 40 lbs, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and stand on uneven surfaces for extended periods. The successful candidate must pass a background check. Question? Contact:Jaclyn Snyder, Senior Recruiter. Bureau of Human Resources. Jaclyn. Snyder@portlandoregon.gov To Qualify The following minimum qualifications are required for this position: Knowledge of related privacy rules and laws, including HIPAA, mandatory reporting requirements, legal responsibilities, and ability to learn organizational policies and procedures. Knowledge of cultural differences and their intersections (e.g., race, sexual orientation, gender equality, socioeconomic status) and their impact on client engagement. Experience assessing clients’ risk of harm to self or others (e.g., suicide, homicide, violence) and effectively mitigating identified risks. Ability to recognize and respond to client reactivity, employing strategies to effectively address and de-escalate issues when they arise. Knowledge of medical terminology and experience navigating health systems and entering documentation into medical record systems. Although not required, you may have one or more of the following preferred qualifications:A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record. QMHA certification or ability to obtain QMHA certification within 9 months of hire date. Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, or related field. Five (5) years in crisis intervention and/or mental health information and referral services experience. Experience working with diverse groups. Knowledge of the principles and practices of Trauma Informed Care (TIC). Experience as a first responder or frontline community-based crisis responder. Experience working effectively in multi/intra-disciplinary settings with other first responders, health and community agencies. Trained in behavioral health crisis assessment and intervention. Bi-lingual fluency preferred.