Crisis Support Specialist - Crisis Response

CRISIS SUPPORT SPECIALIST – CRISIS RESPONSE

This recruitment is open until the position is filled.

First review of applications will occur on April 16, 2026.

Pay Grade: 112

Hourly Salary Range: $32.26 - $47.55

The successful candidate’s placement in the salary range will depend upon previous experience in a similar role. The placement shall not exceed the midpoint of the salary range, which is $39.90 per hour.

The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day
• Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service.
• Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Wellness Program Discount on health premiums
• Medical Reimbursement Program; $61.16/month
• Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
• Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution
• Position is eligible for up to 24 hours of floating holiday leave

To view the employee benefit summary, please visit:

Employee Benefit Summary

Department / Division:

Community Health & Human Services / Social Services

Job Type:

Full-Time Regular

This position is classified as safety sensitive. Employees in safety sensitive positions are prohibited from all marijuana usage whether medical or recreational.

Schedule:

4/10 work schedule; Saturday to Wednesday, 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Job Number:

RC# 902442

DESCRIPTION / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position responds in the community to various emergency calls, including calls from 911, Fire Medical Rescue Department, Tempe Police Department, and the Care and Hope Line. Clears emergency services as quickly as possible, allowing them to return to duty. Provides clients with the most appropriate resources, on-scene crisis intervention and advocacy support, including de-escalation, victim advocacy, emotional support, nonclinical counseling, and assessment of immediate mental health needs. Connects individuals to mental health treatment options, files mental health petitions, and provides guidance and short-term case management.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responds to emergency calls via the 911 system to provide on-scene crisis intervention services for individuals and family members.
• Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, de-escalation, and emotional support services to individuals and families as requested by Tempe Police, Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, other city departments, community agencies, and community members.
• Responds to immediate crisis situation involving victims, including transportation to forensic medical exams, coordinating care with multi-disciplinary teams, coordinating reporting to law enforcement, and obtaining basic needs like clothing, food, water, etc.
• Maintains records, documents calls for service and provides client follow-up. Operates specialized communications equipment, a personal computer, and related software or programs, including an electronic health records system.
• Conducts assessments, including psychosocial histories and analysis of presenting and underlying issues, to determine client needs and appropriate service plan options.
• Assists with evaluating the program operations, recommending improvements, implementing changes, and providing guidance and training to new employees.
• Maintains assigned mobile crisis unit equipment, including supplies needed for an on-scene response.
• May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in crisis response and intervention, or related experience.

Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant’s full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

Professional Licensure and/or Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license

Additional:

Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:

• Criminal history review

• Post offer/pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Post offer/pre-employment physical

For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to:

Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ

This position is FLSA Non-Exempt which means employees are eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time

Employees in this position are represented by the United Arizona Employee Association (UAEA)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.