Crisis Response Specialist I

Crisis Response Specialist

Location: Cottonwood, AZ
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay: Starting at $20.00 per hour

Be There When It Matters Most

As a Crisis Response Specialist I (CRSI) with Spectrum Healthcare, you'll respond directly to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in the community. You'll work alongside law enforcement, first responders, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to help people get the support and level of care they need.

This is a hands-on, community-based position for someone who can remain calm, think clearly, and communicate compassionately during challenging situations.

What You'll Do

Every shift can look different. You may:

  • Respond to behavioral health crisis calls in the community
  • Accept referrals from crisis hotlines, law enforcement, first responders, and supervisors
  • Complete crisis assessments and determine immediate needs
  • Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning
  • Work directly with law enforcement and first responders
  • Coordinate with Behavioral Health Medical Professionals (BHMPs), supervisors, hospitals, and community providers
  • Transport clients to medically necessary or crisis-related services when needed
  • Conduct community well checks
  • Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation
  • Complete Title 36 applications when appropriate
  • Connect individuals with community resources and ongoing support
  • Present clinical cases and communicate observations, symptoms, and recommendations to the clinical team
  • Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training

What We're Looking For

Candidates must qualify as either a Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP) or Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) and have less than two years of crisis response experience.

Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP)

You'll need a high school diploma or GED, plus either:

  • At least six weeks of education, training, or experience in behavioral health, or
  • Six weeks of continuous on-site supervision by an appropriately qualified behavioral health professional, technician, or paraprofessional with the required experience

Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

You may qualify through one of the following:

  • High school diploma or GED with at least 2 years of behavioral health experience
  • Bachelor's degree in any field or an accredited BHT certification with the applicable behavioral health experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a human services-related field

Preferred: Previous crisis response experience and/or Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CPRSS) certification.

You'll Be a Great Fit If You...

  • Stay calm and professional in high-stress situations
  • Have strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Can connect with people experiencing behavioral health or substance-use challenges
  • Can recognize signs of mental health, substance-use, and crisis-related concerns
  • Understand crisis assessment, intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning
  • Work well with law enforcement, first responders, clinicians, clients, and families
  • Can connect individuals with appropriate community resources
  • Are comfortable completing clinical documentation
  • Can make thoughtful decisions in time-sensitive situations
  • Provide respectful, culturally responsive services to people from diverse backgrounds

Important Things to Know

This is a community-based crisis response position, so flexibility is important. Crisis calls may require you to respond in a variety of community settings and work flexible hours based on service needs.

Candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license
  • Maintain an acceptable driving record under Spectrum Healthcare's motor vehicle policy
  • Be able to obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
  • Maintain current American Heart Association-approved CPR/First Aid certification for healthcare providers
  • Be comfortable driving and transporting clients when required
  • Be able to work effectively during stressful and emergent situations
  • Have basic computer skills and be able to complete required documentation

Grow With Us

You'll participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, educational programs, trainings, and professional development opportunities to continue building your behavioral health and crisis-response skills.

If you're looking for a role where you can think on your feet, support people during some of their most difficult moments, and make a direct impact in the Cottonwood community, we'd love to hear from you.

Spectrum Healthcare provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals as needed. This description highlights the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to include every activity, duty, or responsibility that may be assigned.

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