Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician presso A SAFE HAVEN LLC

Description

Position Summary

The Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician is responsible for conducting timely mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and behavioral support for individuals accessing shelter through the centralized intake and transportation system. This role works across both field-based and site-based operations to de-escalate high-risk situations, assess clinical acuity, connect individuals to appropriate services, and support a safe and trauma-informed environment for clients and staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Crisis Response & Clinical Support
   • Respond to emergent behavioral health needs at the centralized intake site or in the field.
   • Conduct immediate mental health and substance use screenings to determine client safety and service needs.
   • De-escalate client behavioral episodes using trauma-informed and harm-reduction techniques.
   • Collaborate with emergency services (911, hospital psych teams) when involuntary treatment or transport is required.
2. Assessment & Referral
   • Complete psychosocial assessments and behavioral observations for clients in crisis.
   • Determine appropriate placement or referrals, including linkage to outpatient care, detox, or higher levels of behavioral health care.
   • Provide short-term support and motivational interviewing to stabilize individuals not meeting criteria for hospitalization.
   • Coordinate with case management, dispatch, and DFSS to prioritize placements when behavioral factors impact shelter fit.
3. Training & Capacity-Building
   • Train intake, driver, and shelter staff on de-escalation techniques and recognizing mental health symptoms.
   • Support staff during and after critical incidents, offering debriefing and coaching.
   • Participate in regular team case reviews and contribute to care planning.
4. Documentation & Reporting
   • Maintain clear clinical notes and complete incident reports in The Grove and the DFSS One System platform.
   • Track and report trends in behavioral health presentations, acuity, and referral outcomes.
   • Ensure all documentation complies with HIPAA and local regulatory requirements.
5. Collaboration & Integration
   • Coordinate with internal teams (site staff, dispatchers, supervisors) to identify high-need clients.
   • Build relationships with local hospitals, mobile crisis units, and treatment centers to facilitate smooth handoffs.
   • Help develop trauma-informed policies and practices to guide system-wide response to behavioral health crises.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field required
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), LCPC, or equivalent preferred
• 2+ years of experience in behavioral health, crisis response, mobile outreach, or emergency services
• Expertise in de-escalation, risk assessment, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care
• Strong understanding of behavioral health systems and Chicago’s mental health resources
• Familiarity with electronic data platforms such as The Grove or the DFSS One System
• Excellent communication, judgment, and decision-making under pressure
• Successful background check and required health clearances
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus