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Crisis Response Specialist $3000 Sign-on Bonus!
Upstate Caring Partners
Utica, NY, USA
Posted on Apr 17, 2026
Pay $19.23 - $29.81 an hour
The Crisis Response Specialist serves as a vital first responder within UCP’s integrated crisis-response service line. This role is dual-focused, providing immediate stabilization through a 24/7 crisis hotline, delivering on-site mobile intervention, as part of a team, directly within the community and participating in the ongoing stabilization of individuals throughout the crisis continuum of care.
This role is responsible for promoting recovery-oriented crisis management and providing compassionate, rapid-response services. Whether over the phone, in the field or other program setting, you will act as a stabilizing force for individuals in acute distress, partnering with emergency services, behavioral health providers, and community stakeholders to ensure immediate safety and seamless transitions to ongoing care.
Core Responsibilities
Activities include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide telephonic, mobile and in-person crisis response services within the 24/7 crisis continuum of care.
- Answer calls from the crisis hotline, providing immediate telephonic support, risk assessment, and de-escalation.
- Conduct rapid screenings to determine the appropriate level of care, including the dispatch of mobile response teams or coordination with emergency services.
- Provide immediate crisis de-escalation to stabilize individuals and work to create a person-centered safety plan.
- As part of a two-person team, deploy directly into the community (residences, schools, homes, or public spaces) to provide face-to-face crisis intervention and stabilization.
- Serve as a member of a co-responding team with Law Enforcement support in the community, as appropriate.
- Conduct on-site lethality and mental status assessments to ensure the safety of the individual and the community.
- Facilitate "warm handoffs" to hospitals, stabilization centers, or community-based providers, ensuring the individual is supported throughout the entire transition.
- Promote individual recovery by establishing rapid rapport and working in partnership with the individual to create immediate, actionable safety plans.
- Provide short-term, solution-focused support centered on crisis management tools and coping strategies.
- Engage family members or natural supports (at the individual’s discretion) to build a sustainable safety net within the community.
- Develop and implement transition plans in partnership with the individual, ensuring follow-through on all short-term stabilization goals.
- Maintain real-time, accurate records of hotline interactions and mobile deployments to ensure clinical continuity and regulatory compliance.
- Act as a liaison with behavioral health providers, law enforcement, and emergency department staff to advocate for the individual’s clinical needs.
- Ensure adherence to all government, and agency policy and regulations regarding crisis service delivery.
- Participate in Agency activities, routine staff meetings, including specialized crisis training, shift debriefings, and clinical supervision.
- Foster a supportive work environment that emphasizes clear communication, team safety, and the Agency’s mission of community-based recovery.
Qualifications
- This is a non-licensed position, however relevant training and experience working within human services is required.
- Non-licensed staff include: Master Level Limited Permit Staff, Certified or Credentialed Peers (all disciplines), Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), or other qualified non-licensed staff defined by OMH as: An individual 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent and 1-3 years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree.
- Must have an active NYS Driver’s License
This position is Community based, in person response to individuals experiencing mental health crisis. Due to the 24/7 nature of the crisis model, this position may require a flexible schedule, including evening, weekend, or overnight shifts to ensure community coverage.
Benefits
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
- Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Retirement Plan 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Awards
- Employee Appreciation Events
- Employee Discounts
Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. upstatecpjobs.org