Under direct or general supervision, the Crisis Response Specialist provides access to emergency mental health and substance use treatment services. The Crisis Response Specialist plays a critical role in the effort to reduce the number of calls to law enforcement, provide alternative crisis solutions to the community, and build linkages to needed community resources. Crisis Response Specialists have specialized skills and other supportive capabilities to help individuals with diverse backgrounds that are experiencing a wide variety of issues including houselessness, being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or mental illness. The Crisis Response Specialist is one of the City’s frontline employees and is a highly visible part of the downtown service delivery system. The Crisis Response Specialist is the entry level position of the Crisis Response Series and differentiated from the Crisis Response Lead by level of supervisory, operational, and administrative responsibility.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills that build rapport and provide support.
• Strong emotional stability and resilience.
• Ability to understand and connect with individuals experiencing crisis, showing concern and care through empathy and compassion.
• Active listening skills to comprehend the needs and concerns of individuals in crisis.
• Strong understanding of crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant local resources.
• Experience working with people in crisis, who are unhoused, and experiencing substance use disorder.
• Background in social services work or related field.
• Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking to analyze situations, assess risks, and make sound decisions as a crisis is occurring.
• Ability to set and maintain personal and professional boundaries.
• Possess teamwork skills to work effectively and collaboratively in a group.
• Knowledge and proficiency in using de-escalation techniques to prevent and resolve conflicts.

To Apply:
If you are interested in this position, please apply through the Workday career site. Be sure to include a letter of interest and resume. Your letter of interest should be no more than 2 pages long and outline how, based on your work experience, you meet the above-listed Ideal Candidate Profile.


Contact Information:
If you have questions about this position, please feel free to contact Sarah Canny at 360.570.3790 or [email protected] or Ren Emerson-Beckman at (360) 753-8042 or email [email protected]

Essential Functions

Essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Provide non-judgmental, unconditional support to the consumer.
2. Assess for immediate safety and stabilization needs.
3. Engage with individuals that are intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substances and transport them to the appropriate social services.
4. Engage with or transport individuals that are experiencing mental illness to the appropriate treatment facilities in Thurston County and neighboring jurisdictions.
5. Transport ill or disoriented persons to shelter, treatment center or other social service agencies within the City of Olympia and neighboring jurisdictions.
6. Transport individuals to necessary non-emergency medical care within the City of Olympia and neighboring jurisdictions.
7. Focused response in the Olympia downtown core.
8. Work interdependently with others toward common goals.
9. Respond to calls for service from dispatch, OPD personnel and other stakeholders in a timely fashion.
10. Complete required documentation within established timeframes.
11. Communicate and collaborate effectively with other team members.
12. Track and compile program data.
13. Attend regular internal and external meetings.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Experience in counseling, treating and transporting persons under the influence of controlled substances, intoxication, and experiencing mental illness.

2. Ability to provide a range of supportive/helpful interventions and activities.

3. Seek assistance and report incidents to the Lead Worker as necessary.

4. Ability and eagerness to spend time outdoors and in the community with vulnerable individuals, some of whom are experiencing homelessness.

5. Ability to learn and help navigate all applicable resources with the client.

6. Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries.

7. Ability to assess, intervene and follow up on safety and crisis situations.

8. Must be able to work respectfully with downtown business personnel, social service providers and others while holding the best interest of the client as the first priority.

9. Ability to accurately track and report program data to Program Manager.

10. Ability to effectively communicate with team members, Department leaders, and other stakeholders.

Experience/Education:
1. Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred; 

2. Or four years of experience in delivery of social services; 

3. Or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.  

Special Requirements:
1. Availability to work flexible hours (evenings, nights, weekends). 

2. Ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid Certification.

3. Applicant must successfully pass required background checks prior to an offer of employment. 

4. Applicant must successfully pass polygraph exam.

5. Must have reliable transportation, valid Washington State Driver’s License, and automobile insurance.

6. Must have an acceptable driving record. (required to provide current driving abstract).

Union:

Teamsters

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$66,169.91 - $80,416.52

Exempt:

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.