Behavioral Health Emergency Service Clinician

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Behavioral Health Emergency Service Clinician

Behavioral Health Services - Crisis Assessment Response Team

Hourly Pay Rate: $28.50 - $42.73

Closing Date: 3/11/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

SIGN ON BONUS $7,500
Shift Differentials: $5/hr for second shift and weekends

On-site clinical supervision provided to individuals with training licenses with a pay increase of 5% when full licensure obtained.

Job Summary: The Crisis Assessment Response Team (CART) Clinician will co-respond with dedicated law enforcement officers to emergency behavioral health calls. CART responds to calls that come into 911 and requests for consultation from emergemcy responders. The CART Clinician provides crisis assessment and intervention services and collaborates with law enforcement in determinations for involuntary treatment.The focus of the work is stabilization in the community and diversion.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychiatric and psychosocial assessment of adults and youth with significant mental health and co-occurring needs. Regularly evaluate dangerousness to self and others (suicidal and homicidal ideation) in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
• Intervene in and manage the acute crisis phase of mental illness in the community. De-escalate, stabilize, and resolve mental health crisis events. This may include remaining with the client in their community setting until stabilized and linked with other services.
• Effectively reduce any danger to self or others by providing therapeutic interventions, arranging for immediate services, or connecting to services and supports in the community until the danger is eliminated and the person is engaged in therapeutic services.
• Implement the plan of care by utilizing psychotherapeutic interventions related to crisis assessment as well as the development of a crisis plan. Provide follow up to ensure the plan of care is implemented and successful.
• Consult and collaborate with BHS providers, community hospitals, law enforcement, BHS Crisis Services, and other mental health professionals. Provide community education regarding crisis management and mental health service.
• Participate in trainings for community members and law enforcement officers and agencies. Participate in community engagement and outreach.
• Assist Behavioral Health Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, Milwaukee PD, West Allis PD, the Milwaukee County Sherrif's Office, and Wauwatosa PD with concerns regarding community members with mental illness and substance use needs. Engage high utilizers of emergency services to access mental health and substance use services. Support Mobile Crisis coverage.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid United States Driver's License, with the ability to obtain a Wisconsin Driver's License within six (6) months of hire.
• Master's Degree or higher in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related Human Service field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in mental health crisis or substance use.
• Valid Wisconsin state licensure, free of limitations, OR able to provide proof of passed licensure exam in one of the following:
  
  
  
  • Advanced Practice Social Workers (APSW)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or (LPC-IT)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or (LMFT-IT)
  
  
  
  
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Willing and able to work irregular hours due to frequent overtime, weekend work, or shift rotations.
• Willing and able to have regular or frequent on-call availability, with irregular, unpredictable, or particularly long hours.
• Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able and willing to travel within the community up to 100% of the time in this role.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.