911 Crisis Behavioral Specialist

Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (Previously known as Heart of Texas MHMR)
Waco, TX
The Crisis Call Diversion Program (CCPD) is an integral part of our behavioral health collaborative at the City's 911 Waco Police Dispatch. The program’s mission is to divert police by connecting individuals who call 911 in behavioral health crisis to appropriate community-based resources. The 911 Crisis Behavioral Specialist is embedded on the 9th floor of the Waco PD 911 Call Center and plays a key role in the implementation of this mission.
The primary responsibilities of the 911 Crisis Behavioral Specialist include behavioral health crisis screening via phone and in community, assessment, de-escalation, 24-hour follow-up telephone calls, and provision of referrals. Crisis Behavioral Specialists are trained to use evidence-based interventions and utilize a trauma-informed, person-centered, and equitable approach when completing crisis assessments via phone and in the community. Employees work under the supervision of licensed clinicians.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
  • Receive direct transfer of calls from individuals seeking behavioral health assistance via 911 or telehealth;
  • Provide de-escalation services to individuals calling 911 in distress while police are en route;
  • Intercept calls eligible for behavioral health screening that are pending police response with goal of cancelling police response;
  • Respond in the field for crisis assessments as part of the Crisis Behavioral Specialist duties;
  • Determine need for behavioral health service intervention through assessment of demographic, social, and clinical information;
  • Determine the level of risk of harm to self or others;
  • Determine urgency of response based on caller presenting risk factors including, but not limited to, identification of acute psychosis, possible suicidal behavior or thoughts, thoughts to harm others;
  • Initiate referral to appropriate response based on identification of urgency, including emergency response where extreme and high urgency is identified;
  • Give caller clear and concise information about the services available and options for further assessment or treatment including to call back should the situation escalate;
  • Ensure that the consumer has a clear understanding of the triage process and subsequent follow up actions;
  • Provide follow-up telephone contact for identified persons;
  • Use technology such as Waco Police Department Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), HOTBHN electronic health record, and Doxy.me for Telehealth;
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of mental illness and emotional components of physical illness; psychiatric diagnosis, psychosocial assessments, and crisis intervention.
  • Demonstrated skill in crisis assessments and reporting results of interviews.
  • Considerable ability to work cooperatively and effectively with professional personnel (i.e., law enforcement, jail staff, hospitals, shelters, etc.); to exercise tact, initiate, and good judgment in dealing with clients and relatives; to prepare reports and make recommendations for administrative use; to speak and write effectively; to relate to people and to interact with consumers.
  • As an employee of the Center, it is my duty, at all times, to incorporate the principles of Trauma-Informed Care, which includes cultural sensitivity, throughout the Center, emphasizing a safe and respectful environment for all clients and staff.
  • Must have excellent time management skills and ability to enter clinical documentation.
  • Local travel 100% and will transport clients.
  • Ability to lift up to 30lbs.
Education and Experience
  • Experience in providing behavioral health services for persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses, a working knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis, psychosocial assessments, and crisis intervention. Required
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a major in behavioral, social sciences, humanities, or education. Require
This is not a remote position

Salary: $52,000-$61,204 DOE

Position:
794-Hours Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm with $3 Shift differential for Saturdays
795-Hours Monday-Friday 1-9pm

Heart of Texas Region Behavioral Health Network strives to offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Benefits:

Employer paid Health Insurance, no copays, no deductibles, 0 cost most prescriptions*
Employer paid Dental Insurance
Employer paid Life Insurance
Employer Paid Short Term Disability
Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
Payroll Direct Deposit
12 paid Holidays per year
Excellent 401-K Retirement Plan (Center will contribute 12% of employee earnings)**
**Certain Requirements Apply**

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - begins after 3 months of full-time employment

Posted 2026-02-25

Recommended Jobs

Building Sheet Metal Worker/Metal Siding Tradesman

Veltri Steel
Taylor, TX

Veltri Steel, LLC., located in Taylor, TX, is seeking a skilled Sheet Metal Worker/Metal Siding Tradesman to join our team. This full-time role focuses on hands-on sheet metal fabrication, installa…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-28

Special Education Teacher

BlueCloud Staffing
Odessa, TX

BlueCloud Staffing is seeking an enthusiastic Special Education Teacher for a school district in Odessa, Texas.   Responsibilities:   Implement specialized instruction to meet IEP goals. …

View Details
Posted 2026-02-04

Escrow Assistant

Professional Alternatives
Houston, TX

Job ID#: 37437 Escrow Assistant – Galleria area Are you detail-oriented, organized, and customer service-oriented? We are seeking an experienced Escrow Assistant to join our team. As an Escrow …

View Details
Posted 2026-04-09

Data Science and Analytics Intern

ChaseSource
Austin, TX

Internship The Employees Retirement System is a Texas government state agency. Our internship program aims to provide a rewarding learning opportunity in mission based work and insights into a care…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-29

Chef de Cuisine

Neighborhood Sushi - Dallas
Dallas, TX

About MML Hospitality McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality (MML) is dedicated to creating some of the world’s chicest hotels and restaurants. Founded by Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman alongside hoteli…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-06

Billing Admin

Williams-Sonoma-Supply Chain
Arlington, TX

: About Williams Sonoma - Arlington, TX Since it was founded in 1956, Williams - Sonoma has grown from Chuck Williams' single store in Sonoma, CA into one of the largest retailers in the country, wit…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-09

Cardiothoracic Physician

Greenberg-Larraby, Inc. (GLI)
San Juan, TX

Job Description Job Description Greenberg-Larraby, Inc. (GLI) is excited to announce an opening for a Cardiothoracic Physician to join our dynamic medical team. In this vital role, you will speci…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-21

Project Coordinator

TRIO Electric
Houston, TX

This is your foot in the door to a promotion path and earnings, and the start to your career!   We have several Coordinator roles available throughout the Company. You will work directly with the de…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-21

Delivery Driver - up to 25 per hour - Bonus of 500

TGO Corp.
Nacogdoches, TX

Delivery Driver position - apply today and start next week! This is a FULL-TIME Position NOT Seasonal. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT CANDIDATES! Based in Nacogdoches. No Com…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-15