Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS), HART Program

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Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS), HART Program

Salary

$27.00 Hourly

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

14944

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Community Health & Violence Prevention Services

Opening Date

06/17/2025

Closing Date

8/31/2025 11:59 PM Central

Position Description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:
Under the direction of the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) Operations Manager and Assistant Operations Manager, the Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) works in partnership with the HART EMT to form the Response Team. The CIS is responsible for assessing and providing information, resources, strategies, and outreach to individuals experiencing social welfare, mental, and/or behavioral health issues. The CIS engages in informed decision-making using best practices in crisis response and make linkages to services. The CIS provides the appropriate level of response and intervention that includes but is not limited to safely and actively engaging community members in non-enforcement strategies and tactics such as de-escalation, harm reduction, and trauma informed care. The CIS may transport and/or arrange transportation services for community members in need.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Respond to calls for non-emergency community care and social concerns, and provide on-site response that includes screening and assessing an individual's physical, mental, and social condition to determine stabilization and level of care needed.
  • Aim to resolve needs on-scene using active engagement strategies and tactics to assess the community member's needs, mitigate risk and potential issues, and link to appropriate resources for follow-up with the goal of longterm self-sufficiency.
  • Maintain community members' confidentiality, except when the individual has granted consent and/or in instances of imminent harm to self or others, and/or where required to report by law.
  • Maintain a collegial working relationship with dispatch and other first responders, and collaborate to make informed decisions related to best practices for crisis management, determination of need for immediate transport for care, and consideration for responding to incidents involving a minor.
  • Transport community member and/or arrange transportation to services, as needed and appropriate.
  • Ensure all documentation is completed accurately, in detail, and submitted before end of shift.
  • Perform daily vehicle inspection check, equipment and supply checks to ensure all are in good working condition before and after shift.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.


Requirements

Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

  • At least three (3) years of experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field
  • Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • All CIS employees are to complete all required HART training and continued education as assigned.
  • Ability to coordinate activities closely with others in stressful situations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate Verbal / Written English.
  • Ability to take direction and adapt to changing situations/job duties.
  • Ability to de-escalate complex situations by using Trauma Informed Care and harm reduction practices.
  • Must possess the ability to write simple correspondence or reports.
  • Must possess the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group.
    situations to other employees and/or managers.
  • Must have a clean driving record.

Core Competencies:Organizational Leadership

  • Understands the organizational mission
  • Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
  • Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

  • Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
  • Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
  • Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

  • Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

  • Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
  • Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
  • Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
  • Uses sound judgment
  • Self-motivated
  • Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication

  • Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing


NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in social work, Public Health, Human Services, Psychology, or other health related field

Languages:

  • Bilingual (Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi)

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

  • This is a full-time position.
  • Schedules may vary during the hours of 6am - 10pm; however, days and times may change and will involve working evenings, weekends and possibly holidays due to the nature of the work and community engagement events.
  • Days and hours will depend on the needs of the community and division.

Work Environment:

  • This position involves both a professional office environment and field-based responsibilities. It requires flexibility, adaptability and a balance between office work and outdoor activities with the potential for varying weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 50lbs, have the ability to stand, bend, and or sit for extended periods of time.

 

Work Location:

  • Harris County Public Health: Community Health & Violence Prevention Services Division - 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002.



Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.


Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.


20250609151308_hcbenefits.jpg


HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.


The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:


Health & Wellness Benefits

  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance 
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan


The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan) 
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by department.


In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.


For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
  • High School or GED diploma
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher
  • None of the above
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
  • Public Health
  • Social Science
  • Other Related Field
  • Unrelated Field
  • N/A; No Degree
03
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field? (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Less than three (3) years.
  • Three (3) years or more.
  • I do not have this experience.
04
Please provide details about your verifiable experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
05
This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Driver's License with good driving record?
  • I have a valid Texas driver’s license good driving record
  • I have a valid driver’s license with good driving record from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
  • I do not have a valid driver’s license.
06
Are you proficient in any of the following languages in addition to English? (Check all that apply)
  • Spanish
  • Mandarin
  • Korean
  • Vietnamese
  • Hindi
  • None of the above

Required Question

Employer
Harris County
Address
1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone
713-274-5445