Mental Health Specialist - Cayuga

Position Summary:

The Mobile Crisis Mental Health Specialist will work alongside Mobile Crisis Clinicians to provide non-clinical support to individuals/families in crisis. Mobile Crisis Specialists/Responders are primarily responsible for conducting needs assessments and coordinating care for adults, youth and families during and after a crisis episode to address the antecedents of crisis and gaps in care.

This is a per diem position with flexible scheduling options. Available shifts are as follows: 

• Cayuga, Cortland or Madison: 
• Weekdays, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM 
• Weekends and holidays, 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM 
• Onondaga or Oswego: 
• Weekday evenings, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM 
• Weekends and holidays, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM 
• Overnights, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM 
• Weekday daytime coverage as needed 

Mental Health Specialist/Responder Job Responsibilities:

• Provides non-clinical emotional support through active listening, validation, encouragement, and practical guidance.
• Conducts initial and ongoing needs assessments to identify crisis triggers, service gaps, and follow-up needs.
• Engages in person-centered, client/family-driven non-clinical goal setting and safety planning.
• Makes referrals to and facilitates engagement in behavioral health, medical, care coordination, and basic needs services.
• Collaborates with internal team members and external providers to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care.
• Follows up with individuals, families, and care teams to verify that aftercare services are in place and being accessed.
• Completes timely and accurate documentation in line with agency and program standards.

Work Environment:

This is a field-based, community-facing role involving regular travel and in-person engagement in a variety of environments.

Pace and Atmosphere

• Fast-paced and emotionally dynamic work environment requiring flexibility, composure, and quick decision-making.
• Team members work in a highly collaborative environment that emphasizes shared responsibility.
• Situations may evolve rapidly and involve collaboration with emergency services, families, or multi-agency partners.
• Shifts may include evenings, weekends, holiday, or other non-standard hours based on program needs.

Worksite Conditions

• Staff are required travel to locations not controlled or maintained by the agency, including private homes, shelters, public spaces, or outdoor environment. Locations may include stairs, uneven terrain, limited accessibility, or other physical challenges.

Mental Health Specialist/Responder Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Bachelor’s degree with at least two (2) years of behavioral health experience OR
• High school diploma, high school equivalency, or State Education Commencement Credential and one or more of the following qualifications:
  • One (1) to three (3) years of experience working with individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders;
  • Two (2) years of work experience in children’s mental health, addiction, or foster care;
  • A student or intern within a mental health/clinical DOH-approved New York State Education Department program;
  • Licensed Practical Nurse;
  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC);
  • Individuals with lived experience as an individual with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders or as a parent/primary caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders and who are not qualified peers.

Pay Rate: 

• $32.15 per on-call shift (which equates to $225 for one week and provides advanced compensation for telephonic services) 
• Additional $100 per on-call shift on an agency observed holiday 
• Mobile Crisis Response: 
• 1-90 minutes: $100 
• 91-180 minutes: $150  
• 181+ minutes: $200 
• In-Person Follow Up: 
• 1-90 minutes: $50 
• 91-180 minutes: $75 
• 181+ minutes: $100