Crisis Center Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA)

Job Title: Crisis Support Specialist

This position provides supportive mental health services, crisis de-escalation, and short-term stabilization assistance to individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges at the 23-Hour Adult Crisis and Stabilization Program in Clackamas County. Services are delivered through a person-centered and trauma-informed care lens under the supervision of a QMHP.

Salary $27/HR Full Benefits

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in gathering psychosocial information and supports QMHPs in completing behavioral health assessments.
• Provides crisis de-escalation and supportive interventions to individuals in acute mental health distress.
• Helps identify clients' immediate needs and assists with safety planning and discharge coordination.
• Supports the delivery of services as defined by the crisis center contract, including but not limited to: individual support sessions, psychoeducation, skill-building interventions, and behavioral observations.
• Documents interactions, supportive services, and behavioral observations in accordance with agency and state standards.
• Collaborates with the clinical team, including QMHPs, medical staff, peers, and supervisors to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Monitors client safety and assists with routine well-being checks, including one-to-one observation when necessary.
• Participates in team staffings and client care discussions.
• Assists in preparing for client admissions and discharges, including updating client triage boards and acuity levels.
• Engages clients in supportive, non-clinical activities that contribute to stabilization (e.g., offering meals, encouraging hygiene routines, helping with laundry).
• Provides support with maintaining a clean, calm, and welcoming environment.
• Participates in in-service trainings and engages in ongoing skill development related to crisis support and trauma-informed care.
• Assists with intake documentation under the direction of a QMHP.
• Notifies appropriate staff of needed supplies or other operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor(s) or necessary to support the program and organization.

Other Duties:

This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Demands:

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and talk or hear.
• May occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, or lift up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

• Crisis center-based setting with moderate noise level.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment that supports individuals in acute emotional or behavioral distress.

Travel:

• This position may require limited local travel.
• Personal vehicle, valid driver's license, and insurance required when applicable.

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field
• Must meet Oregon QMHA criteria as defined by Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must meet Oregon QMHA standards
• Valid Driver's License and proof of auto insurance (as applicable)
• Ability to pass background checks

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Experience working with individuals in behavioral health crises (preferred)
• Ability to support clients using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches
• Competence in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Ability to document services
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced setting
• Cultural responsiveness and commitment to equity in service delivery