Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) - HART Program

Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) - HART Program

Salary

$27.00 Hourly

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16842

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Community Health & Violence Prevention Services

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the departments cornerstone values guiding our work to improve communitys health and well-being.

• Transparency- We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity- Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact -We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration- We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) Operations Manager, the Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) works in partnership with the HART EMT to form the Response Team. The CIS is responsible for assessing and providing information, resources, strategies, and outreach to individuals experiencing social welfare, mental, and/or behavioral health issues. The CIS engages in informed decision-making using best practices in crisis response and make linkages to services. The CIS provides the appropriate level of response and intervention that includes but is not limited to safely and actively engaging community members in non-enforcement strategies and tactics such as de-escalation, harm reduction, and trauma informed care. The CIS may transport and/or arrange transportation services for community members in need.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Respond to calls for non-emergency community care and social concerns, and provide on-site response that includes screening and assessing an individuals physical, mental, and social condition to determine stabilization and level of care needed.
• Aim to resolve needs on-scene using active engagement strategies and tactics to assess the community members needs, mitigate risk and potential issues, and link to appropriate resources for follow-up with the goal of longterm self-sufficiency.
• Maintain community members confidentiality, except when the individual has granted consent and/or in instances of imminent harm to self or others, and/or where required to report by law.
• Maintain a collegial working relationship with dispatch and other first responders, and collaborate to make informed decisions related to best practices for crisis management, determination of need for immediate transport for care, and consideration for responding to incidents involving a minor.
• Transport community member and/or arrange transportation to services, as needed and appropriate.
• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately, in detail, and submitted before end of shift.
• Perform daily vehicle inspection check, equipment and supply checks to ensure all are in good working condition before and after shift.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• At least three (3) years of experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field
• Current Texas Drivers License (upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• All CIS employees are to complete all required HART training and continued education as assigned.
• Ability to coordinate activities closely with others in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate Verbal / Written English.
• Ability to take direction and adapt to changing situations/job duties.
• Ability to de-escalate complex situations by using Trauma Informed Care and harm reduction practices.
• Must possess the ability to write simple correspondence or reports.
• Must possess the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group.

situations to other employees and/or managers.

• Must have a clean driving record.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills :This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

• Bachelors degree in social work, Public Health, Human Services, Psychology, or other health related field

Languages:

• Bilingual (Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi)

General Information

Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) employees are exposed to confidential and law enforcement-sensitive information. A thorough background investigation is required to properly evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment. You must provide accurate information in all aspects of the process. The process will end for applicants who fail to provide truthful information.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position working 10-12 hour shifts that may be scheduled during mornings, evenings, overnight hours, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs. Due to the nature of the work, shifts may occasionally be extended beyond the scheduled end time to complete a call, assist a community member, or address operational needs.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a field-based environment and requires frequent interaction with individuals who may be experiencing high stress or crisis. The role involves working in varying weather conditions, extensive driving, and maintaining flexibility and adaptability throughout daily tasks. Additionally, the position includes completing administrative responsibilities to support overall field operations.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, bend and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs from ground to waist level

Work Location:

• Work locations may vary and can be reassigned throughout Harris County based on operational needs.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Public Health
• Social Science
• Other Related Field
• Unrelated Field
• N/A; No Degree

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field? (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than three (3) years.
• Three (3) years or more.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Please provide details about your verifiable experience in crisis intervention or mental health services field Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

05

This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Drivers License with good driving record?

• I have a valid Texas driver's license good driving record
• I have a valid driver's license with good driving record from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
• I do not have a valid driver's license.

06

Are you proficient in any of the following languages in addition to English? (Check all that apply)

• Spanish
• Mandarin
• Korean
• Vietnamese
• Hindi
• None of the above

07

This position requires working 10-12 hour shifts that may be scheduled during mornings, evenings, overnight hours, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs. Do you acknowledge and meet this scheduling requirement?

• Yes, I am available to work 10-12 hour shifts, including mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as needed
• No, I am unable to meet this scheduling requirement.

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx