Job Description

Overview

Calling all Mental Health helpers!

If you\'re passionate about helping people experiencing mental health crises,

we have a great career opportunity for you!

The primary purpose of this role is to enhance crisis response coordination in the development of crisis plans, community response, and education to external agencies, by helping to facilitate more connection to community supports (i.e. Crisis linkage) to help prevent additional services being mandated such as youth justice, child protection and other county departments. In addition to the coordination, this this position will also respond to adults/adolescents/children who are experiencing mental health crises, within La Crosse County. Mental health crises may include individuals who pose a threat of harm to themselves or others, are experiencing an increase in symptoms, or are otherwise in need of mental health support. Response may include phone or on-site evaluation and support. This is a rewarding, fast-paced and challenging role, ideal for a person with a strong sense of empathy, decision making skills and ability to collaborate with community partners. Wisconsin Certified Crisis Program paid training is provided at onset of employment. We have a couple of different opportunities:

• Full-time working a schedule that is primarily 2nd shift to include weekends.
• Part-time, limited term, working 3 shifts per week on 2nd shift, 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day (subject to change as needed), for no longer than 9 months.

Starting wage depends on qualifications: $20.75 - $24.78

Associate Experience - What\'s In It For You?
Supportive, collaborative, inclusive, and diverse workforce.
Career learning, development, and growth opportunities.
Culture of respect and dignity, teamwork, honesty, and integrity.
Serving your community in a purposeful and meaningful way.
Excellent benefits for full-time positions:

• \xe2\x80\xa2Wisconsin Retirement System - Very stable and strong
• \xe2\x80\xa2Health Insurance with options for free care
• \xe2\x80\xa2Dental Insurance with many services covered at 100%
• \xe2\x80\xa2Life Insurance with short and long-term disability

• \xe2\x80\xa2Flexibility with generous paid time-off benefits.

We will be accepting applications until the right person is hired.

La Crosse County Respects Diversity

Essential Job Functions

Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and apply.

Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking.

Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change and emotional intelligence.

Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically.

Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work.

Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships.

Partners with community providers such as schools, Western Region Adolescent Shelter, Child Protection Services and nursing homes to assist with crisis planning, provide suggestions for de-escalation or resources, and for family care members in developing crisis plans.

Responds both by phone and in-person to evaluate adults/adolescents/children/families who are experiencing mental health crises.

Works closely with law enforcement agency staff, hospital emergency room staff and other mental health professionals, as well as support persons, to determine the needs of the individual and develop ways to meet the needs while also providing for safety and stabilization of the individual and community.

Responds to calls by phone and also performs on-site, face-to-face crisis intervention and mental health assessment services at various locations, within La Crosse County, including hospital emergency rooms, residences, and other locations in conjunction with law enforcement and other program staff.

Assesses adults/adolescents/children for risk of harm to self and others, using standardized clinical tools.

Assesses nature of presenting problem and makes care recommendations to emergency room physicians.

Arranges for stabilization services in residential and/or outpatient settings. Develops Assessment and Response Plans for persons experiencing crisis.

Participates in multidisciplinary dispositional staff meetings, regular supervisory/training sessions, and conferences and in-service training as required.

Uses laptop computer database to perform data entry into an electronic health record.

Completes up to 40* hours of initial training on crisis assessment and response within the first ninety (90) days of employment (*20 hours for experienced mental health professionals).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to relate effectively to individual persons with mental illness and/or family members; ability to relate positively and constructively to difficult clients and to clients who do not organize their thoughts well.
• Ability to relate positively to other community service agencies in the provision of service to persons with mental illness, family members and persons experiencing crisis situations.
• Familiarity with federal, state and local laws related to services for the treatment of persons with mental illness and the special confidentiality concerns related to emergency situations.
• Ability to operate a computer and update an electronic health record.
• Ability to be non-judgmental, empathic and provide comfort to persons with mental illness.
• Ability to prioritize and problem-solve efficiently and effectively in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge in family dynamics, including the out of home care system.
• Knowledge in Children\'s service system.
• Knowledge and skills in defusing behavioral challenges.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

• Bachelor\'s degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling, or closely related field. With appropriate related work experience, may consider another degree or high school diploma.
• Previous experience working with persons with problems of mental illness or persons experiencing mental health crises.
• Demonstrated skill in relationship building with community partners (schools, law enforcement, other human services partners, nursing homes, etc).
• Successful completion (within three months after beginning the position) of 40 hours Wisconsin Certified Crisis Program training which is provided as part of on-the-job training.
• Access to reliable personal transportation with a valid driver\'s license and must carry the County\'s required liability insurance coverage.

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