Behavior Health First Responder

Behavioral Health First Responder (BHFR)

Location: Wilmerding, PA

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health First Responder (BHFR) provides immediate, in-person behavioral health crisis response to individuals and their natural supports in the community. Operating under the direction of program management, the BHFR responds to behavioral health–related 911 calls, conducts assessments, delivers crisis intervention and de-escalation, and facilitates connections to appropriate levels of care. This role ensures compliance with all program procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements while promoting dignity, safety, and recovery-oriented outcomes.

Program Summary – A-Team Mobile Crisis Response

RHD has partnered with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services to launch A-Team, a pilot program utilizing the Alternative Response Model for mobile crisis intervention. This innovative program enhances the emergency response system by providing behavioral health professionals to respond to select 911 calls involving mental health crises.

A-Team members are trained extensively in crisis intervention, de-escalation, trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and collaborative response. The team works closely with law enforcement, fire/rescue, EMS, and community providers to support individuals in crisis, reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization, and promote community well-being.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Crisis Response

• Respond in person to behavioral health–related 911 calls in the community.

• Conduct on-scene behavioral health assessments for individuals experiencing crisis.

• Manage crisis scenes safely using de-escalation and trauma-informed practices.

• Provide psychoeducation, skills training, and supportive crisis counseling in community settings.

• Transport individuals to safer environments or appropriate levels of care, including bed-based services.

• Facilitate admissions to crisis residential or inpatient care and complete referrals to community resources.

• Support and collaborate with police, fire/rescue, and EMS during behavioral health emergencies.

• Conduct follow-up with individuals after crisis events to ensure safety and connection to ongoing services.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete all required documentation in accordance with RHD policies, funder requirements, and licensing/accreditation standards.

• Accurately document assessments, safety plans, and service interventions in required systems.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Provide referral coordination and limited case management services during crisis contacts, including phone-based and in-person interactions.

• Represent the program and RHD at community events and outreach activities.

• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• One of the following is required:

  • Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, anthropology, political science, history, criminal justice, theology, nursing, counseling, education, or a related field; OR

  • High School Diploma with 12 semester credits in a human services field and two (2) years of experience, including one (1) year in mental health

• Valid driver’s license (required).

• Successful completion of required background checks.

• CJIS Certification (required upon hire).

Working Conditions

This position functions as an emergency first responder and requires work in community-based, uncontrolled environments. Employees must be willing and able to:

• Work in all weather conditions.

• Respond during city-wide events or emergency situations.

• Be exposed to communicable diseases and individuals who may be unstable or agitated.

• Manage potential verbal abuse from individuals served.

• Physically assist individuals with limited mobility in and out of agency vehicles.

• Perform frequent standing, walking, lifting, reaching, and job-related travel.