After Hours- On Call- Crisis Responder

After Hours Crisis Responder (Travel - Field Based)

The After Hours Crisis Responder provides immediate, in-person crisis intervention services to youth who are runaways, locked out, unable to safely return home, or in circumstances posing substantial or immediate danger. The goal is crisis stabilization, safety planning, diversion from juvenile justice involvement, and support in reunification or short-term placement when needed.

This role requires strong judgment, calm decision-making, and the ability to respond effectively in fast-moving, high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism, empathy, and adherence to agency protocols.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to referring sources (police, hospitals, schools, etc.) by phone within 15 minutes and arrive on-site within 60 minutes (urban) or 90 minutes (rural).
• Serve as the designated crisis responder for LAN regions including Kankakee, Vermillion, Will/Grundy, Kane/Kendall, and South & West Cook.
• Complete the Crisis Intervention Intake Packet during each crisis encounter.
• Document all crisis activity in CareLogic within two hours of response.
• Facilitate family reunification, family-generated placement, or short-term agency placement as appropriate.
• Obtain approval from the After-Hours Crisis Supervisor before any placement occurs.
• Provide linkages, referrals, and resource coordination based on youth and family needs.
• Remain accessible by cell phone throughout scheduled shifts.
• Submit mileage, time sheets, and required documentation per agency protocols.
• Participate in individual and group supervision, team meetings, and program meetings.
• Follow Illinois mandated reporting requirements.
• Complete all Federal, DHS, Agency Core Curriculum, and Mandated Reporter trainings.
• Provide services to program clients throughout the full on-call shift.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Trauma-Informed Care Expectations

All services are grounded in a trauma-informed framework emphasizing safety, self-regulation, supportiveness, strengths-based engagement, and self-care. Additionally incorporates the 7 Essential Ingredients (7ei): prevalence, impact, perspective shift, regulation, relationship, reason to be, and caregiver capacity.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS/BSW) required.
• Experience working with at-risk youth preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret case notes, treatment plans, and protocols.
• Strong writing and documentation skills.
• Effective in one-on-one and small group communication.
• Basic math skills (fractions, decimals, percentages).
• Ability to problem-solve in non-standardized, fast-paced situations.
• Understanding of Aunt Martha's PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) improvement model.

Other Requirements

• Must be available for evenings, weekends, and flexible on-call scheduling.
• Must transport clients using a personal vehicle.
• Must maintain a valid Illinois driver's license and automobile insurance.
• Ability to accept and integrate feedback.

Client Populations Served

May include:

• Runaways / Lockouts
• Youth experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness
• Pregnant/parenting youth
• Youth with cognitive delays or mental health needs
• Youth exhibiting physical, verbal, or sexual aggression
• Delinquency-involved youth
• Individuals with physical disabilities

Ages Served: 0–21+

Physical Demands

• Regular sitting, standing, walking, speaking, and hearing.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Requires adequate vision for assessment and documentation.

Work Environment

• Field-based role with frequent travel to crisis locations.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor and variable conditions.
• Moderate noise levels.

Compensation and Benefits

• On-Call / Per-Event Compensation: The rates range between $50 - $120 per shift.
• Shifts/Hours: Weekdays (5:00 PM – 8:00 AM), Weekends (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discounts on services such as cell phones, restaurants, and more