Crisis Respite Support Specialist (Waco, TX)

The C&A Crisis Respite Support Specialist (CRSS) is responsible for the provision of temporary, short-term crisis respite to assist in the stabilization of minor youth in crisis through the continuous assessment of the level of crisis needs while providing 24-hour supervision, safety monitoring and when appropriate, providing a rapid response to indications of a need for additional assistance including inpatient crisis intervention.  CRSS is responsible for managing potential triggers/behaviors through ongoing observation to ensure safety in the milieu which changes frequently due to the daily census.  CRSS works as a member of the interdisciplinary clinical team to create an individualized schedule that promotes age appropriate independence through instruction and coaching on self-care skills and skills development that support and promote the youth’s recovery plan. CRSS will implement youth’s crisis recovery plan strategies, as directed by clinical protocols, and under the supervision of clinical staff.  The main goal of the CRSS is to provide support and crisis respite for youth in order to prevent unnecessary inpatient hospitalization or out of home placement and to increase the youth’s success in both the community and in the home environment.

*This is a new program that will continue to evolve; duties and responsibilities may change over time.* 

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
 

• Responsible for safety monitoring by continuously being present in the youth’s immediate vicinity to provide ongoing assessment of the youth’s mental, emotional and physical status.
• Assure respite house environment is clean, and assist clinical staff with inventory, ordering, re-stocking, and organization of household. 
• Implement program schedule utilizing curriculum to conduct therapeutic recreational interventions and facilitate skills training groups to improve skills needed to function appropriately and as independently as possible to increase community tenure.
• Deliver skilled mentoring and coaching in symptom management, personal hygiene, nutrition, food preparation, exercise, and community integration.
• Coordinate the distribution of information between department staff and other community agencies including returning phone calls, faxing documents, relaying messages, and receiving and making copies.
• Provide supervision and assistance with school assignments when indicated.
• Assist with program development and administrative tasks when indicated, to include but not limited to, outreach efforts through the provision of psychoeducation and mental health awareness to community partners, agencies and families. 
• Provide transportation to youth receiving crisis services, or in support of crisis follow-up and relapse prevention services, from one location to another. Transportation services may also be provided to/from community outings or as need arises.
• Consistently and accurately write clinical and administrative documentation as directed. Adhere to regulatory requirements and follow all safety, medical and administrative procedures and protocols.
• Monitor and document self-administration of medication, determine the effectiveness of medication, identify side effects of medications, and emphasize the importance of taking medications as prescribed.
• Provide reimbursable paraprofessional services to include; skilled mentoring and coaching, paraprofessional aid, job placement support, and/or short-term in-home crisis respite to caregivers to minimize the need for admission into the crisis respite facility, to those clients enrolled in the YES Waiver program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Essential Functions

• Excellent written communication  and computer keyboarding for inputting clinical documentation
• Excellent verbal and telephone communication with consumers, staff, and community providers
• Time management required to meet service goals
• Frequent travel to provide services for clients, including 20% local travel.
• Stooping, bending, sitting, standing, and keyboarding for prolonged periods, lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to be CPR and PMAB certified
• Valid Texas driver's license, liability insurance, and reliable transportation required

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED Required
• Work experience in an inpatient setting Preferred
• Experience in mental health field Preferred
• A minimum of 1 year documented experience and competency in working with youth in crisis or youth with a severe emotional disturbance  Preferred
• Food preparation experience Preferred

Hours:
Position 239-Pending/587: 7A-7P Sun thru Tues alternating Wednesday with overtime 
Position 472: 7A-7P Thursday thru Sat alternating Wednesdays with overtime Pending

Salary: $24,000 Salary / $11.53 Hourly (Annual Salary with Overtime Est $26,403.52)

Location:  Waco, TX

Benefits:

Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network strives to offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Employer paid Health Insurance
Employer paid Dental Insurance
Employer paid Life Insurance
Payroll Direct Deposit
12 paid Holidays per year
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Eligible to use first pay period following your 90 days

Excellent 401-K Retirement Plan (Center will contribute 12% of employee earnings) **Certain Requirement Needed**

Department: Klaras Center for Families Crisis Respite
This is a full time position