Hybrid Crisis Intervention Specialist I/II bei City of Irvine, CA

About the Department

As a Crisis Intervention Specialist, you will be a vital part of our public safety team, providing immediate assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises, emotional distress, or other urgent needs. Working as an independent team, or alongside police and fire departments, you will be the calm, compassionate presence that helps navigate challenging situations and impact lives. The Crisis Intervention Specialist is a flexibly staffed position and may be filled at either the Crisis Intervention Specialist I or II level at the discretion of the of the department, based upon the experience of the candidate.

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and provide crisis counseling.
• Develop and implement appropriate intervention plans tailored to each individual's unique needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect the boundaries of clients experiencing emotional distress.
• Make transport decisions regarding client care.
• Transport clients.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques and crisis communication/management.
• Collaborate with case managers, both internal and external, as well as Mental Health Outreach Police Officers, to ensure long-term support for clients.

• Demonstrates interpersonal/cultural sensitivity to work with diverse and disenfranchised mental health and unhoused populations.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize projects, work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to gain trust and build rapport with diverse populations.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Counseling, Criminal Justice or related field and two years’ experience in social services or behavioral health programs, or any combination of education and experience that provides needed job specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Requires a valid California Driver's License. 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification from the American Red Cross.

• Registered through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
  

Minimum Qualifications for Crisis Intervention Specialist II:

• Registered through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), or possess a Masters in Psychology, and four years of experience in social services or behavioral health programs, or any combination of education and experience that provides needed job specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Requires a valid California Driver's License. 

Licenses/Certification for Crisis Intervention Specialist II:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid Certifications from the American Red Cross.
• Licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Psychologist.

Other Qualifications

Your Team
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).

The Process
The selection process may include an examination and will include oral interview(s) as well as completion of a background investigation prior to appointment. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.