Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist

The Choices Mobile Crisis Response Team is responsible for 24/7 mobile emergency responses for individuals experiencing an emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health crisis in Preble and Montgomery Ohio Counties. The Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist (QBHS) is a full-time position (40 hours/week) operating during scheduled shifts. The QBHS provides crisis response as part of a team and has understanding of either mental illness or substance use disorder treatment and recovery as well as crisis response procedures, de-escalation techniques and how the individual’s own behavior can impact the behavior of others.

The incumbent is also aware of the functioning of relevant healthcare systems and how to engage therapeutically with a person with mental illness or a person in substance use disorder treatment and recovery. The QBHS operates from a strengths-based perspective, collaborating with Choices’ Crisis Team, clinical leadership, and fellow responders. The QBHS performs a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining optimal functioning within the community and mastery over their own recovery process.

• Can articulate the mission, vision and services provided by Choices and the Mobile Response Team and partners.
• Communicates the practice expectations of the Mobile Response Team to consumers, community partners, and funders.
• Can participate in shifts based on a fire house model.
• Responds to crisis referrals in person within 60 minutes.
• Work with individuals for 42 days post crisis to provide stabilizing connections to the community and peer support.
• Adheres to the policies and protocols established by Choices for the Mobile Response Program.
• Incorporates the guiding principles and values of Systems of Care into their interactions with Individuals experiencing a crisis, fellow team members, Choices staff and system partners.
• Communicates effectively with the Mobile Response Team Manager to ensure collaborative efforts and proactive response to issues and concerns.
• Participates in at least one hour of supervision weekly with direct supervisor.
• Follows established strategic plans and quality improvement procedures to achieve stated goals and enhance the experience of referred individuals.
• Ensures collection of all necessary service data.
• Completes required documentation on a timely basis.
• Participates in scheduled meetings to review performance and quality indicators and makes recommended adjustments to improve the response and stabilization service.
• Willingly completes other duties as assigned to advance the mission of Choices and the Mobile Response Team.

• High School Diploma
• Completed training for or education in either mental health or substance use disorder competencies; and who has demonstrated, prior to or within ninety days of hire the minimum competencies in basic mental health or substance use disorder and recovery skills listed in “Position Specific Competency” section of this job description.
• Geographically located to assure a 60-minute response to an immediate need.
• Prior experience with mental health crisis response preferred.
• Strong communication and writing skills. Bi-lingual skills (Spanish) a plus.
• Familiarity with Systems of Care values and principles.
• Highly organized, and effectively manages multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Professionally articulate in communicating (oral and written) service expectations, strengths and needs of clients and outcomes.
• Demonstrated professionalism working in teams with internal colleagues and external audiences in both person and through various electronic media.
• Enthusiastic about advancing system change within the community.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Operational smart phone.
• Ability to work shifts that include evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Attests to having read and understood the code of ethics at initial certification and every certification renewal thereafter.

Hourly rate: $24.04-$26.44 /hour ($50,000 - $55,000 annually)

Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employer Paid Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability
• 401k Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous PTO plan
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.