Behavioral Health Crisis Response Substitute Clinician

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

November 9, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

40.20 - 58.23

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a part-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

19

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Confirm with the Hiring Manager

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general direction, fills in on an as-needed basis to cover short-term staffing gaps at full operational capacity. As part of the City of Boulder’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response Team (BHCRT), this role responds to 911 and police non-emergency calls involving behavioral health components. Depending on the nature of the call, responses are handled either independently alongside other BHCRT staff (alternative response) or paired directly with Boulder Police Department officers (co-response).

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                

• Provides as-needed in person response to situations involving behavioral health concerns or crisis in a variety of community settings via 911 dispatch, including homes, businesses, street corners, parks, congregate living facilities, and shelters.
• Conducts clinical interventions, including mental status exams, suicide and risk assessments in place of full-time clinicians to address presenting crisis and determine if people in distress meet criteria for involuntary treatment. Prepares mental health holds and other legal documents as needed.
• Makes appropriate level of care decisions on scene and communicates, collaborates, and assists in care coordination with multiple collateral agencies, including schools, hospitals, family members and significant others to facilitate referrals for needed community-based services and treatment.
• Documents all contacts according to team policies.
• Provides transportation for clients during calls for service or follow-up contacts according to team policies and applicable laws.
• Provides telephone or in person follow ups with community members in order to to connect them to behavioral health care and other resources in the community.
• Works collaboratively with BHCRT case managers to support clients with complex or ongoing needs.
• Participates in clinical supervision, trainings, and team meetings according to team policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate ideas clearly in written and spoken form, particularly as it applies to documentation, care coordination, and in crisis situations.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and colleagues.
• Ability to complete work in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with team policies.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional regulation during responses to 911 calls that may involve highly distressed or antagonistic individuals and manage secondary trauma related to crisis work.
• Ability to practice within applicable laws and ethics with a demonstrated skill in acting with integrity as a steward of public resources and as a professional working in the involuntary treatment system. Demonstrated skill in applying ethical principles to complex problems. 
• Ability to support change with flexibility and grace. 
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals in crisis situations.
• Knowledge of major mental illness, personality disorders, neurocognitive disorders, complex trauma, intellectual/developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, suicide assessment, safety planning, trauma informed care, harm reduction, crisis de-escalation, criteria for involuntary behavioral health care according to Colorado statute, and impact of involuntary treatment.
• Skill and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and the records management systems used by the team.
• Skill in listening to concerns and ideas of colleagues and community members. 
• Skill in making rapid, accurate diagnostic assessments, including some ability to distinguish between psychosis due to mental illness vs substance use.
• Must be able to meet and maintain the requirements of applicable federal, state, and organizational background checks, including the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check.
• Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate related behavioral health experience as a mobile crisis clinician, co-responder, crisis clinician doing level of care assessments, or other modality working with an acute population in a high intensity environment.
• Ability to speak Spanish, as a second language, in a professional capacity for communication objectives.
• Knowledge of and prior experience working and collaborating with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), police, and/or fire personnel.
• Knowledge of and prior experience working with Boulder area behavioral health treatment systems and supportive services.
• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in addition to primary licensure.

 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in crisis intervention, suicide and risk assessment, verbal de-escalation, and differential diagnosis working with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, substance use, and other at-risk populations.
• Licensed in Colorado as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), LAC, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Psychologist (LP) by Colorado’s Division of Regulatory Agency (DORA).
• Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.

 

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Behavioral Health Crisis Response Supervising Clinician

Supervision Exercised: None

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS   

• Physical and Mental Effort: Work requires ability to use computers, radios, and associated equipment on a regular basis, as well as the ability to work in and respond to dynamic crisis situations in novel community-based environments. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. May be exposed to unsanitary conditions, including bodily fluids, drug residue, as well as homes in significant disrepair. Work requires the ability to work closely with others, with frequent interruptions and background noise. Work requires the ability to maintain focus and engagement for prolonged periods (up to multiple hours) under sometimes adversarial conditions including crises related to mental health and substance use disorders. Must have the ability to observe, track, and interpret behavior in order to conduct a mental status exam.
• Work Environment: Work is generally performed in both a traditional office environment and in community settings. Work may occur in settings that are difficult to physically access, such as private homes, camp sites, or other outdoor spaces. Work may occur outdoors under a variety of weather conditions.  BHCRT operates seven (7) days per week including some evening hours. Will receive scene safety (defensive tactics) training to maintain physical safety amidst 911 emergencies. The city provides personal protective equipment for clinicians. Attendance at team meetings or trainings outside of scheduled shifts may be required to perform the duties and responsibilities associated with the role. Often works off site and in the community in a variety of environments including businesses, homes, emergency rooms, community agencies, parks, greenways etc.
• Machines and Equipment Used: City vehicles are provided for program use. Standard office equipment including computers, telephones, and multi-function printers as well as two-way radios.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.