Crisis Triage Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Undisclosed, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Agrees to follow all applicable laws and regulations, including VBH Standards of Conduct and VBH Policies and Procedures, in order to create and maintain a healthcare and business environment that is committed to integrity and ethical conduct.

Position Summary

The Crisis Triage Specialist is a multi-functional behavioral health role that integrates crisis intervention, clinical assessment, and client support duties. This position provides timely and professional care to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, coordinates service responses, and assists with facility-based client support and operations.

Crisis Liaisons rotate between roles or cover tasks based on program needs, absences, or emergent demands. Crisis Intervention Duties Provide face-to-face and phone-based crisis assessments and de-escalation interventions for individuals in psychiatric, emotional, or substance-related crises. Respond to walk-in clients and/or those referred via dispatch and conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations.

Utilize the least restrictive environment for crisis resolution, ensuring safety and dignity. Ensure documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is completed in compliance with quality standards. Make appropriate referrals and coordinate linkage with internal/external resources and supports. Conduct 24-hour follow-up contacts to ensure follow-through on referrals or safety plans.

Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing training. Staff complex cases with senior clinicians or supervisors as required. Provide clinical review to other crisis staff if designated and qualified. Assessment and Dispatch Coordination Triage incoming crisis line and 988 Lifeline calls and determine appropriate level of care and response.

Coordinate and document the dispatch of clinicians for in-person assessments in alignment with standards. Maintain up-to-date and accurate dispatch and communication logs. Provide support to callers through therapeutic engagement and preliminary needs assessment. Ensure effective and timely communication with field staff and supervisors.

Client Support and Facility Operations Interact professionally with clients, families, visitors, and external providers, providing guidance and support while maintaining professional boundaries. Facilitate new client orientation, tours, and integration into facility routines. Support clients with daily living activities, self-care skills, and treatment goals.

Conduct safety, room, and client supervision checks per policy and document accordingly. Assist in medication support, obtaining vital signs, conducting UDS/breathalyzer tests, and managing contraband. Use de-escalation techniques to manage client conflict or behavioral changes, and report safety concerns to nursing or supervisory staff.

Prepare client rooms for transitions and maintain cleanliness and order in common areas. Provide end-of-shift written and/or verbal reports detailing key interactions and updates. Cover front desk duties including phone reception and visitor coordination as assigned. Participate in agency training, emergency drills, and crisis response planning.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, or related area. 1+ year of experience in crisis intervention, behavioral health, or residential treatment preferred. Ability to work under pressure and remain calm during psychiatric emergencies. Strong computer literacy and proficiency with Electronic Health Records (e.

g., Qualifacts or similar platforms). Excellent communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills. Valid driver’s license. Flexibility in rotating shifts, roles, and responsibilities based on operational need.