The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Clinical Team Lead to join our team. As a Clinical Team Lead (CTL) with Rapid Response, your role is crucial in providing clinical supervision and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our program. You will lead a team of clinicians who respond to mental health crisis calls received through the 911 or non-emergency line of the Houston Police Department (HPD). Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including first responders and community partners, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health care in crisis situations. Your responsibilities also include managing staffing, coordinating resources, ensuring compliance, and providing guidance to your team. Your expertise in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care will be essential in guiding interventions and delivering client-centered care. Your role will involve working in partnership with first responders and community partners to provide crisis intervention, support, and referrals to appropriate mental health resources. Building and maintaining strong relationships with these stakeholders will be essential for seamless coordination and effective crisis response.

Your role in Action:

• Utilize expertise in crisis intervention, clinical assessment, and trauma-informed care to guide team interventions and deliver client-centered care.
• Provide clinical supervision to direct reports to include guidance and support, mentoring, coaching, professional development, and performance evaluation.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, including staffing, resource coordination, and scheduling, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to clinical supervision, program operations, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with program leadership and internal and external stakeholders, such as first responders and community partners, to ensure the delivery of collaborative and high-quality integrated approach to crisis response.
• Manage and monitor compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards in crisis response services.
• Conduct regular team meetings to foster communication, collaboration, and professional development among staff members.
• Assist in the development and implementation of training programs to enhance the clinical skills and knowledge of crisis response staff.
• Participate in the hiring and onboarding process for new crisis response staff, including conducting interviews and providing input on candidate selection.
• Collaborate with program leadership and other stakeholders to develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Participate in community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about mental health and crisis intervention services and build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Conduct documentation audits and implement quality assurance processes to uphold standards of care.
• Assist in responding and/or coordinating response to emergency disasters to provide crisis intervention services and support individuals impacted by the event, assess their mental health needs, and help implement crisis management strategies to promote resilience and post-event recovery.
• Engage in continuous training and professional development to remain up to date on the latest techniques in crisis intervention, emergency preparedness, crisis response protocols, and safety measures. This includes staying informed about radio technology and implementing best practices for clear communication with first responders during high-pressure scenarios.
• Perform additional responsibilities to support team members and other departments, as directed by leadership, efficiently and effectively with flexibility and adaptability

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• Master's degree (M.A.) from four-year accredited college or university with a major in a social, behavioral, or human service field, including but not limited to: psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human development, gerontology, and educational psychology.

Experience:

• At least three years of experience providing direct crisis intervention or related services to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced crisis response environment, such as a crisis hotline, diversion program, or mobile crisis team.
• Experience in training and/or mentoring other clinicians in crisis intervention techniques and best practices.
• Proficiency in using technology, software, and tools relevant to crisis intervention and record-keeping.

Preferred experience in the following:

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or supervisory role, preferably in a crisis response or mental health setting.
• Coordinating and managing teams, including scheduling, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.
• Working collaboratively with first responders, community partners, and other stakeholders in crisis response efforts.
• Conducting audits, quality assurance processes, and implementing improvement strategies.
• Emergency management and response, including coordination with emergency services and disaster situations.

Other Key Qualifications:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), LMFT.
• Maintains current licensure with appropriate state licensing regulatory board.
• Must be able to manage staff effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and be insurable under Agency policy.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities :

• In-depth knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, theories, and best practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders, symptoms, and evidence-based interventions.
• Familiarity with crisis assessment tools and protocols to evaluate urgency and severity.
• Proficient in coordinating and collaborating with other agencies and emergency services for a coordinated crisis response.
• Expertise in developing crisis intervention plans tailored to individual needs.
• Strong knowledge of record-keeping standards and regulations in crisis intervention services.
• Continuous training and professional development in crisis intervention, emergency preparedness, and crisis response protocols.
• Familiarity with radio technology and best practices for clear communication with first responders during high-pressure scenarios.
• Understanding of ethical standards and legal guidelines in the provision of crisis intervention services.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness to effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of crisis management strategies and resilience-building activities for post-event recovery in emergency disasters.
• Knowledge of community resources and key stakeholders to facilitate appropriate referrals and collaborations.
• Understanding of team dynamics and ability to actively contribute to team meetings and cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of effective interviewing and hiring practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with key stakeholders and effectively educate the community about mental health and crisis intervention services.
• Ability to pass a thorough background check and meet all Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) eligibility criteria. This includes undergoing periodic audits and training to maintain clearance status.
• Certify and maintain status as an Agency Certified Driver. This includes the ability to operate a motor vehicle and pass agency performed road test. The employee must possess a valid Texas State issued driver's license and be insurable on the agency vehicle insurance policy.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours and provide on-call coverage which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies and disasters

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

• Your flexibility, our commitment: This position may require flexible working hours and involve travel. Supervision may be both field and clinic locations. Coverage may be required in the absence of the practice manager, lead clinician or rehab coordinator.
• The environment: Be prepared to navigate challenging situations - you may occasionally encounter unfavorable conditions. Must be able to manage staff effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Your interactions: Engage with a diverse range of individuals, some of whom may be emotional, physically hostile, agitated or uncooperative. This is an opportunity to employ your strong interpersonal skills and patience to make a real impact in their lives.
• This posting is associated with position #50165 .
• Shift Sunday -Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday 10a -5 pm. $5,000 Stipend.

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.