General Description

Under direction of the Program Manager of Crisis Services and within federal, state and local guidelines provides moderately complex case management work. Work involves developing and maintaining long-term contact with clients, client families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs.

This position is responsible for providing office hour crisis services to residents of Denton County. Job duties include face to face assessments within the county at a secure location and responding to needed telephone interventions. Additionally, this position will serve as backup to the either the Hospital Liaison or Court Liaison position. This position may also maintain on-going case management of crisis clients if needed, which requires client care meetings at least weekly for up to 90 days. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human services field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and one (1) year prior experience in a mental health field required. Master's Degree in a human services field and previous Crisis experience preferred. English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional)
• All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of 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.
• Skill in interviewing and in conducting individual needs assessments.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
• 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. Responds to all calls within a maximum of ten minutes; gathers information from caller regarding the nature of the crisis situation; responds to need for emergent face to face assessments within one hour; completes triage as assigned; staffs and notifies appropriate manager if needed; responds to all ROH assessments within one hour of receiving the call if in the community and ten minutes of receiving the call if at the office.
2. Ensures follow-up on 100% of clients screened within 24 hours; completes or ensures screening email is sent with all necessary information to complete 24 hour follow up; documents follow up appointment in LOC 0 schedule.
3. Completes CANS/ANSA to determine whether or not client qualifies for crisis package services (LOC 0 and LOC 9); documents reason for clinical decision.
4. Collaborates with MCOT team members to determine least restrictive treatment through screening form and other assessment methods; discusses treatment recommendation at the end of every ROH assessment; attempts to contact all collaterals to gather or collaborate information provided during ROH Assessment.
5. Facilitate with individual and with community agency to carry out least restrictive environment; arranges transportation; confirms and/or coordinates admission to inpatient facility when needed.
6. Works collaboratively with MCOT team member to ensure all necessary Level of Care 0 and Level of Care 5 services are provided including but not limited to: crisis follow-up, case management, pharmacological management and med training/support.
7. Collaborates with MCOT team member to develop and implement an individual Crisis/Recovery plan for each individual that incorporates diagnosis, individual/family preferences, intervention, outcomes, follow-up plans and referrals; completes crisis and recovery plans collaboratively with clients; ensures all goals are measurable and individualized; updates recovery plan when client identifies new goals and/or completes goals.
8. Effectively manages a caseload of 5-20 clients if needed; ensures each consumer on LOC 5 caseload is seen a minimum of once per week face to face and completes documentation to include SI/HI, progress/lack of progress towards recovery goals, resources provided, and next appointment date and time; completes transition form (within 4 weeks of discharge), discharge CANS/ANSA, and discharge summary within a week of discharge of client; cancels any remaining appointments as needed and notifies Program Manager of chart audit; provides referrals and linkage to community resources or DCMHMR for continued care.
9. Makes community based visits as required for consumer contact; provides community visits for clients who have not shown for follow ups; completes unscheduled home visit, sends letters, completes phone follow ups for any individuals who do not attend scheduled appointments; completes welfare check on clients who present with significant risk and notifies appropriate manager.
10. Performs job duties in a safe manner and report any unsafe practices or conditions and demonstrates awareness of potentially dangerous situations.
11. Provides thorough documentation; documents all services provided to a client or on behalf of a client in a progress note; ensures 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; documents all skills training groups for each assigned client in the client's medical record chart; completes documentation as services occur but no later than 2 business days.
12. Contacts supervisor or designated back-up for clarifications of procedures or clinical assistance as needed; contacts Team Lead or Program Manager for clarification of protocols or needed direction or assistance.
13. Attends all scheduled clinical team meetings; meets with supervisor for monthly individual supervisions.
14. Services as QMHP-CS for On-Call MCOT rotation as needed; serves as backup to either the Hospital Liaison or Court Liaison as assigned by Program Manager.
15. Performs additional duties as deemed necessary by department supervisor within designated timeframes.

Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative

o Assists individuals served during a routine, urgent, and emergent crisis episode by ensuring they are linked to appropriate Center programs (MCOT, Psych Triage, CPT, etc.) or inpatient care.

o Follow up as assigned after these crisis episodes to ensure continuity of care.

o Remains with individuals experiencing a crisis in secure and unsecure locations as needed.

o Completes CSSRS Since Last Visit, CSSRS Lifetime, or CSSRS Adult Screener at each contact with individuals served to determine risk level and ensure appropriate referrals.

Openly ask questions regarding Suicide to ensure accurate and thorough information is obtained.

o Provides additional support to individuals identified as at higher risk for suicide.

Staff these individuals during team meetings

Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.

Provides additional phone calls/support or request 24-hour crisis programs to provide additional phone calls/support as required or requested.

o Debriefs with immediate supervisor when there is a suicide death of an individual served or Center staff.