RESPONSE CRISIS WORKER bei Des Moines Public School District

TITLE: RESPONSE CRISIS WORKER

POSTION TYPE: SPEC

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's or equivalent work experience (minimum of four years).
2. Experience working with children and adolescents in crisis, ideally in educational, health care or community settings.
3. Background in behavioral health, crisis intervention, or social services required.
4. Maintain valid driver's license with a driving record that aligns with the District’s motor vehicle record requirement while employed.

Desired Education and Experience:

1. Master's degree (LISW) in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field (preferred).
2. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), First Aid, CPR, or other relevant certifications preferred.
3. Additional mental health certifications, such as Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP), Licensed Social Worker or similar, preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

1. Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, especially in high-stress or emotional situations.
2. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with law enforcement and school personnel.
3. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
4. Ability to assess and manage high-risk behaviors and provide appropriate interventions.
5. Knowledge of mental health issues affecting children and adolescents, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders.
6. Familiarity with local mental health resources and emergency services.
7. Knowledgeable about health equity disparities affecting children and adolescents, particularly within marginalized populations.
8. Knowledge of public safety protocols and practices in school environments.
9. Ability to work in a fast-paced, often unpredictable environment
10. Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, or during school emergencies.
11. Reliable transportation for the ability to travel throughout the district for crisis response at schools.
12. Competency working in a multicultural environment or the willingness to acquire these skills.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Response Crisis Worker will be a key member of the Public Safety Department within the schools providing immediate, on-site social, emotional, behavioral health crisis intervention and support to students across district schools. This role involves responding to and managing behavioral health emergencies, collaborating with school staff and the Public Safety Department to ensure student safety, and offering de-escalation and support strategies in crisis situations. The Response Crisis Worker will assess student needs, offer immediate interventions, and connect students to appropriate resources in the community, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Crisis Response & Intervention: Respond to immediate mental health and behavioral crises on school campuses, such as threats of self-harm, suicide, safety threat, or other acute emotional distress. Provide hands-on de-escalation and crisis management interventions alongside Public Safety Department personnel as needed.
2. Collaborative Teamwork with Public Safety: Partner with the Public Safety Department to respond effectively to crisis situations. Coordinate and ensure proper interventions that align with both mental health and safety protocols, working closely with security officers, administrators and district safety team members.
3. Assessment & Risk Evaluation: Conduct brief mental health assessments during or after crisis incidents to evaluate immediate risk to the student and others. Use evidence-based tools to assess the severity of the crisis and determine necessary next steps, including emergency medical or psychological intervention.
4. Crisis De-escalation & Emotional Support: Use trauma-informed, crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations. Offer support to students in distress, ensuring that their emotional, psychological, and physical needs are addressed in a compassionate and professional manner.
5. Safety Protocols: Work in coordination with Public Safety staff to ensure a safe and secure environment during crisis interventions. Assist in the safe transport of students when necessary and in compliance with district policies and procedures.
6. Referral & Coordination of Services: When necessary, assist in referring students to appropriate community mental health resources or emergency services for further evaluation or care. Facilitate follow-up with the student, their family, and mental health providers to ensure continued support after a crisis event.
7. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of all crisis interventions, student assessments, actions taken, and outcomes. Ensure compliance with district policies, legal requirements, and confidentiality standards in all records and reports.
8. Training & Awareness: Provide crisis intervention and mental health first aid training to school staff and Public Safety Department members. Ensure all team members are equipped to recognize early signs of mental health distress and respond appropriately.
9. Community & Resource Coordination: Build and maintain partnerships with local mental health agencies, emergency services, and other community resources to provide a continuum of care for students in need. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of available services and resources.
10. Prevention & Outreach: Participate in district-wide prevention efforts, such as awareness campaigns, workshops, and school-wide programs aimed at promoting mental health and well-being. Educate students and staff on how to identify and address mental health challenges proactively.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

DEPARTMENT:

Public Safety Department/Student Services 

REPORTS TO: 

Public Safety Manager

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: 

Behavioral Health Services Coordinator

EVALUATES: 

N/A

BARGAINING GROUP: 

NA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time

DAYS: 230      HOURS: 8

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Frequent 33%-66%:

Standing, walking, sitting, driving, lifting (25lbs) carrying (20ft)

Manual Dexterity Tasks: telephone, computer, other.

Occasional 1%-32%:

Bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, climbing/stairs

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Occasional 1%-32%:

Inside, outside, extremes of temperature/humidity

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check. 

Approved By: BC

Date: 10/2025