Crisis Assessment Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic

Crisis Assessment Specialist

Crisis Respite - Living Room Program

Salary is based on education, experience, and licensure or certification:

• High School Diploma or GED + 5 years' experience: $23.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday
• Bachelor's Degree: Starting at $25.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday

Additional compensation available for candidates with professional licensure (e.g., LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) or certifications such as CADC.

Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) | Rotating Weekends

Available Shifts:

• 1st Shift: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Looking for a career where your work truly matters?

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois, dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care for individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care - regardless of the position they hold.

• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off - paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

The Crisis Assessment Specialist plays a critical role in the Living Room program, serving as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking support during behavioral health crises. This role is responsible for coordinating admissions and intake, conducting comprehensive crisis assessments, developing individualized stabilization plans, and ensuring seamless care coordination.

Working closely with the Living Room team, the Crisis Assessment Specialist ensures that guests receive timely, safe, and recovery-oriented support - while also facilitating assessment, referrals and linkages to long-term behavioral health and community resources. This role is essential to maintaining a safe, organized, and person-centered environment.

Admissions & Intake

• Coordinate admissions and intake, ensuring timely screening and safe access to the Living Room.
• Conduct crisis assessments, including risk evaluation, and determine the appropriate level of care.
• Build and maintain trusting, professional relationships with clients to support recovery, stability, and independence.

Crisis Stabilization & Care Coordination

• Develop individualized crisis stabilization and safety plans in collaboration with the team.
• Facilitate assessment, referrals, and linkages to outpatient treatment, recovery support, and community resources.
• Provide short-term follow-up to reinforce safety plans and ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated, person-centered service delivery.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with program procedures and agency standards.
• Adapt to evolving responsibilities as the Crisis Respite Program grows and changes to meet client and program needs.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of behavioral health, crisis intervention, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Familiarity with crisis stabilization models, risk assessment frameworks, and safety planning.
• Understanding of community-based behavioral health resources, outpatient treatment options, and recovery support services.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory and compliance standards, including IDHS grant requirements.

Skills

• Strong clinical assessment and crisis intervention skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including accurate and timely documentation.
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office/Teams platforms.
• Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to develop individualized stabilization and safety plans in collaboration with clients and team members.

Abilities

• Ability to engage individuals in crisis with empathy, professionalism, and a person-centered approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to remain calm, grounded, and effective in emotionally intense and high-stress situations.
• Ability to adapt to evolving program needs and shifting priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while building trusting relationships with clients.

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of supervised mental health or social service experience
• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or human service field preferred
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!