Crisis Intervention Specialist

We are seeking a Crisis Intervention Specialist to provide advanced clinical crisis services and leadership support within a 24/7 crisis intervention program. This full-time role serves as a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA), completing crisis assessments, clinical documentation, and medical necessity determinations while supporting team operations and mentoring less experienced staff. The ideal candidate is a licensed clinician with strong crisis intervention experience, sound clinical judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments.

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

Responsibilities

• Complete crisis assessments, safety plans, and clinical documentation in accordance with program, agency, and funder requirements
• Provide LPHA-level review and authorization of medical necessity, including signing required clinical documentation
• Deliver crisis intervention and related services including immediate access services, court-ordered assessments, outpatient counseling, and group services
• Provide case management, community support, and linkage to community resources to support stabilization and recovery
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of documentation, including same-day completion of assessments and safety plans and submission of progress notes within required timeframes
• Maintain crisis-specific documentation including petitions, certifications, risk assessments, and required reports for funders such as the Division of Mental Health
• Participate in maintaining 24/7 crisis coverage, including after-hours and on-call responsibilities as scheduled
• Provide non-licensure (Rule 132) supervision and clinical guidance to non-licensed staff
• Support program operations including scheduling coverage and responding to emerging service needs
• Participate in team meetings, staffings, and program development activities

Leadership & Culture

• Promote and model recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care including hope, respect, empowerment, wellness, and connectedness
• Act as a peer leader by providing clinical guidance and mentorship to less experienced staff and interns
• Support a collaborative team environment and contribute to program improvements and special projects
• Foster positive relationships with hospitals, law enforcement, courts, and community partners
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and customer service excellence

• Master’s degree in a human services field required
• Must qualify as a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA) in Illinois
• Active Illinois licensure required (LMFT, LCSW, or LCPC)
• Experience in crisis intervention, behavioral health, or emergency services strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance, and insurability required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems
• Strong clinical assessment, documentation, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage high-risk, fast-paced situations with professionalism and sound judgment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all organizational and regulatory requirements

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply.

Chestnut Health Systems is committed to advancing health equity and delivering high-quality, integrated care to the communities we serve. Our teams are driven by compassion, innovation, and a shared mission to make a meaningful difference.

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $54,000 - $61,000 annual salary. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base pay, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education, experience, local market conditions, and internal equity. Check out additional benefits here!