Crisis Specialist (Part-time)

Job Summary:

The Hospital Follow-Up Program is a unique program in Colorado for suicide prevention. This position will have a critical role in Colorado's efforts to build a statewide continuum of care to prevent suicide, self-harm, and overdose. The team provides caring contact and assistance with care coordination via telephonic and virtual encounters.

This position is a Crisis Specialist PRN (hourly as needed) who must rapidly evaluate complex behavioral health situations then develop, recommend and support appropriate interventions. This role will act as a subject matter expert for the program and will provide comprehensive crisis intervention and de-escalation support through a culturally competent and compassionate lens.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take cases triaged from the peer specialists. This requires a strong understanding of de-escalation and crisis invention practices.

• Strategically manage complex behavioral health cases.

• Oversee follow-ups and counsel, negotiate, mediate and intervene with callers to defuse crisis intensity and prevent harm to self or others.

• Ensure immediate and appropriate support is provided by connecting patients with care resources. Each case will be unique and different approaches and/or resources may be required to ensure an appropriate level of care.

• Provide suicide, substance use and homicide risk screening and assessments telephonically.

• Maintain accurate and current crisis contact documentation in compliance with state and federal law and University due diligence; support internal and external audits as required.

Work Location:

Remote - this role is eligible to work remotely, but the employee must be in Colorado to attend in person meetings and hospital trainings.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Psychiatry provides the most up to date mental and behavioral health training. The Division of Community, Population and Public Mental Health works with multiple statewide partners to deliver care and training to thousands of Coloradans in its mission to build a more accessible, equitable, evidence-based, and excellent mental health system.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biological science, nutrition, nursing, health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• 3 years of experience working in a health care setting, which includes 1 year of crisis intervention experience.

• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with substance abuse, mental health and recovery principles.

• Experience working with issues pertinent to abuse survivors.

• Experience in a call center environment.

• Previous experience dealing with individuals going through a mental health crisis.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Cultural competence in working with a variety of populations

• Strong understanding of de-escalation and crisis invention practices

• Effective communication

• Ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution and community

• Outstanding customer service skills.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. Curriculum vitae / Resume

2. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Nina Brathwaite, nina.brathwaite@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by November 6, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting hourly range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $39.19 - $49.85/hour

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.