Urgent Response Specialist Childrens

EMPACT-SPC (Suicide Prevention Center), a member agency of La Frontera Arizona, is an industry leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing valued community services and resources for behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention since 1987. We are an EEO/AA Employer.

**Sign-on incentives offered up to $5000 (amount varies with position)**

The Childrens Urgent Response Specialist is part of the EMPACT-SPC Childrens Team working with children and families in crisis that are enrolled with and receiving ongoing services. EMPACT-SPC is on the cutting edge in providing unconditional service to children and families. We offer many opportunities for professional development and growth. Our Childrens Services Department is constantly developing and enhancing programs to meet the needs of families in the community. This position provides direct crisis intervention services in home, school, and in the community. Crisis intervention services include but are not limited to crisis prevention; de-escalation; transportation; client support/supervision; parent training; behavior management training and assistance; and provision and assistance in accessing appropriate community referrals. The requirements of the position include ensuring coordination of care with multiple systems including Behavioral Health providers and networks; Juvenile Probation; School; Division of Developmental Disabilities; Placements and license agencies; and Department of Child Safety.

This position requires availability to work nights and weekends.

1. Provide direct in-home, in-office, in school and community based crisis services. These services will include but not be limited to crisis intervention and de-escalation, transportation, maintaining or establishing community stabilization, client support and/or supervision, parenting training, behavior management training and assistance, and provision and assistance in accessing appropriate community referrals.
2. Ensure quality service delivery including clinical care and all associated documentation. Maintain all client records in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
3. Provide comprehensive services to clients and assist in coordinating communication with other departments of the agency to accomplish continuity of care. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all related state, community behavioral health, and contracting organizations.
4. Comply with the agency's standard of care for service delivery. Assist with Quality Management and Utilization Review as needed.
5. Perform job duties in a safe manner at all times; provide support for team members and perform cooperatively and professionally as part of a cohesive team.
6. Will be required to oversee everyday functioning of department vehicles and to immediately report incidents involving damage or theft. May be required to do basic safety checks on vehicles (oil, tire air pressure, etc.).
7. Will be required at times to work in potentially volatile situations and to react in a professional manner to crisis situations regardless of the nature of the environment or circumstances.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Will be required to be flexible in terms of shift location and to change location if requested at the beginning of the shift to better meet the needs of the department.
• May be required to use "down time" for special projects to benefit Childrens Services and/or other departments within the agency.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings, even if they fall outside of the regularly scheduled shift. Evening and night hours may be required. If department meetings or scheduled supervision is missed because of a crisis call, the specialist is required to reschedule the meeting to assure that all supervision requirements are met.
• Work beyond scheduled work hours to complete required paperwork or to complete crisis stabilization tasks. Evening and night hours may be required including 24-hour availability rotations.
• Knowledge of agency and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with ethical professional practice of the agency.
• Maintain compliance with required training.
• May be required to use own personal vehicle if agency van is out of service or is unavailable. However, will not be required to transport clients in own vehicle.

Education/Experience

• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED and must meet BHT requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in behavioral field preferred.
• Experience in community behavioral health required, with specific knowledge of AZ Children's Behavioral Health System.
• Five (5) years of prior behavioral health related work experience is preferred.
• Prior experience with Child Family Team Process and knowledge of AZ 12 Principles and AZ Vision is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to work in a team, and strong interpersonal skills, including positive, non-judgmental attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, community resources.
• Ability to follow clinical and office protocols and procedures.
• Required to work independently and flexible hours, 24 hr availability including weekends, in order to meet the needs of clients.
• Must have Fingerprint clearance card or be eligible to obtain one.
• Must have a valid AZ driver's license with no major infractions in the past three years.
• Must have regular access to reliable transportation.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) Diff per hour available.
• Must be 21 years of age or older at time of employment.

Additional Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm in crisis situations, work independently and cooperatively, recognize personal limitations, and relate positively and with empathy to all persons regardless of age, race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with ethical professional practice and the policies and procedures of the agency.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and positive working relationships with internal and external team members, stakeholders, and community and business partners.
• If driving while on agency time or on agency business, a valid Arizona driver license and appropriate liability insurance and approval for liability coverage with EMPACT - SPCs liability insurance carrier is required. Out of state applicants must provide a 3 years of driving record upon hire.
• Staff members who provide direct client services must be at least 21 years old. Staff members who provide support services (administrative or clinical) must be at least 18 years old. All employees will have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.