The Outpatient Crisis Therapist (OCT) is responsible for providing immediate behavioral health support and intervention for individuals experiencing acute distress due to emotional or psychological symptoms or substance use. Services will be provided in a variety of settings and can include mobile response. The OCT assesses risk, delivers short-term stabilization services, and connects clients with appropriate resources for ongoing care. This role will exercise strong clinical judgment, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a commitment to providing trauma-informed, person-centered support. As part of a collaborative behavioral health team, the OCT ensures safety, de-escalation, and timely access to care for those in need.
-
The primary responsibility of all staff is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ramey-Estep/Re-group (RE) clients.
-
Supports the mission, vision, and values of RE. Facilitates and adheres to the agency’s code of ethics, policies, and procedures.
-
Supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies.
-
Supports and facilitates positive interaction with clients and staff by exhibiting both in-office and in-public when carrying out job duties: individual maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and awareness and sensitivity to cultural and other differences in clients and staff.
-
Exhibits effective communication skills, including proper use of agency communication systems.
-
Participates in appropriate professional development programs to attain and maintain competency.
-
Effectively manages financial and physical resources to achieve the mission of RE.
-
Reports incidents of abuse or potential abuse involving clients to the appropriate authorities and RE.
-
Provide immediate clinical assessment, risk evaluation, and stabilization services to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community-based settings (homes, schools, community centers, RE offices, etc.).
-
Work collaboratively with other crisis team members to utilize trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to de-escalate crises and ensure safety for clients and others.
-
Develop short-term crisis plans tailored to client needs, including safety planning and coping strategies.
-
Coordinate care with law enforcement, medical providers, social services, and other community partners to ensure comprehensive crisis response.
-
Refer clients to appropriate level of care based on safety factors and assist in coordinating follow-up services, including outpatient therapy, case management, substance use treatment, or psychiatric care.
-
When appropriate, work closely with family members, caregivers, and support networks to engage them in the crisis resolution process.
-
Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation, including risk assessments, progress notes, and follow-up plans, in accordance with agency, state, and accreditation standards.
-
Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws (HIPAA) and ethical standards of practice.
-
Track and report service delivery, outcomes, and crisis response data as required
-
Participate in community crisis response initiatives, including outreach to high-risk populations.
-
Provide consultation, education, and support to community partners on crisis intervention strategies and available behavioral health resources.
-
Represent the agency in community forums, training, or collaborative meetings related to crisis services.
-
Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case reviews to ensure quality of care.
-
Engage in ongoing training and professional development in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and related areas.
-
Contribute to a supportive and collaborative team culture within the crisis services program.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
-
Crisis services are provided 24/7 year-round, so shifts will be varied to ensure appropriate coverage at all service locations.
-
Holidays, weekends, and extra hours may occasionally be required.
-
Office setting with extensive computer usage.
-
Fast-paced environment with the need for quick decisions to deal with any crisis that may arise.
- Travel to community locations and RE Outpatient locations will be required.
-
Maintains a positive, professional attitude, contributing to a supportive work environment.
A Master’s Degree from an accredited school in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field is required.
Current licensure or license-eligibility (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LCPC, or equivalent) as defined by the appropriate Kentucky state licensing board is required.
Specialized training or certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, or trauma-informed care is strongly preferred.
A minimum of 2–3 years of clinical experience providing mental health services, preferably in crisis intervention, community-based care, or emergency response settings, is strongly preferred.
Experience with community resources, social services, and referral processes is strongly preferred.
Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and individuals from underserved communities, is strongly preferred.
Experience working with law enforcement, crisis hotlines, or mobile crisis response teams is strongly preferred.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Strong knowledge of evidence-based crisis stabilization models and community behavioral health best practices.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and community partners.
Strong skills in de-escalation, safety planning, and rapid decision-making under pressure.
Must have the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Proficiency in clinical documentation and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
Technical requirements include proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications used by the organization or regulatory agencies.
Ability to understand and relate to the needs of clients from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to read, write, and converse in English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
Successful completion of a background screening.
Successful completion of a TB assessment or proof of a negative chest x-ray or other documentation.
Successful completion of Excellent Foundations.
Maintain 40 hours of annual training.
Maintain professional licensure.
The physical requirements described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to finger, handle, and feel. This employee is also regularly required to use a computer keyboard and mouse. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
