Crisis Prevention QMHP

Denton County MHMR Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), is committed to fostering an inclusive, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment that embraces and celebrates diversity and equity. We strive to create a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere, where individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and lifestyles feel respected, supported, and valued. Integrity, honesty, and kindness are core values that help create a strong and supportive organization that delivers high quality, person-centered care.

General Description

The Crisis Prevention QMHP works under the leadership of the Program Manager of Liaison Services and oversees the development and maintenance of long-term contact with individuals, individual families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs. The Crisis Prevention QMHP acts as a community liaison to connect individuals within Denton County with services through MHMR or other services in the community, as needed. The Crisis Prevention QMHP coordinates with different police departments regarding individuals who may be in a crisis or need support. The Crisis Prevention QMHP coordinates the Familiar Face Task Force (FFTF) as well, which is composed of individuals within the community and individuals already in services through MHMR, who have had multiple crisis episodes or interactions with crisis teams or the crisis intervention response team (CIRT). The Crisis Prevention QMHP also conducts weekly outreach with local shelters and/or homeless encampments to provide resources to individuals in need of resources or information on how to access MHMR or mental health services. Within the center, the Crisis Prevention QMHP also provides extra support to individuals aside from their assigned case manager to increase engagement and reduce crisis episodes.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
  • Three to five years of previous work experience in the mental health field preferred. Mental health crisis experience is preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
  • Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
  • Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of mental health resources in/around Denton County, community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems; of case guidelines, regulations, and policies; of interviewing techniques; of mental illness and the emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of individual needs associated with disabilities; and of community welfare resources.
  • Skilled in communicating with community partners, Excel Spreadsheets, presenting data and information, interviewing, and conducting individual needs assessments.
  • Ability to work well in a team-based environment, conduct meetings with peers, interact effectively with individuals in the community, convey instructions and explanations to individuals and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
  • Ability to display regular and reliable in-person attendance.
  • Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

  1. Monitors individuals with high utilization and visits them as needed to increase engagement.

o Provides transportation or other assistance to individuals as needed to help them connect to outpatient services.

o Communicates effectively with case managers and other providers about progress and barriers.

o Connects with individuals by visiting local homeless shelters or encampments to provide resources for MHMR services or other community providers.

o Completes monitoring reports and timelines as determined neccessary by the Program Manager.

  1. Keeps spreadsheets for all interactions with individuals and community partners.
  2. Contact supervisor or designated back-up for clarification of procedures or clinical assistance as needed; communicates urgent clinical and logistical needs with appropriate manager.
  3. Works effectively with local law enforcement, EMS, and community agencies using the Crisis Prevention model.

o Participates in weekly community outreach efforts.

o Participates in ride alongs with law enforcement to mental health calls as per request of law enforcement agencies.

o Follows up on referrals that are sent to MHMR by law enforcement to connect individuals to MHMR services or other resources.

  1. Documents all services provided to a client or on behalf of a client in a progress note in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

o Each service delivered will be documented according to agency and stated guidelines to also include any clinically significant information and in the case of a crisis and/or emergency.

o Documentation to be completed as services occur, but no later than 2 business days.

o All risk of harm assessments and 24 hour follow up notes are entered within one hour of completion.

  1. Attends all team meetings and monthly supervisions.
  2. Holds the chair position for the Zero Suicide Taskforce
    • Leads monthly meetings for the Taskforce
  3. Participates in a sub-committee of the taskforce.
  4. Provides additional support to individuals identified as at higher risk for suicide.
    • Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
  5. Reaches out to individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway and assists them with resources and other needs.
  6. Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
  7. Debriefs with supervisor when there is a suicide death of an individual served or Center staff.
  8. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensures seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborates with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.