Crisis Responders (IDHS)

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. 

MFS is currently looking to fill a new full-time role, Crisis Responder! Within our Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) team! 

SALARY: 

• The pay for this position will fall in the range of $25- $26.50 per hour ($52,000 - $55,000 annually ). Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level. This is an hourly position that will require you to clock in / out.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Respond rapidly to crisis situations to de-escalate.
• Mediate disputes to prevent escalation into violence during large gatherings, civil unrest, and mass shootings.
• Mediate conflicts, de-escalate tense situations, and build trust with diverse individuals and groups including at-risk youth and gang members.
• Work collaboratively with local businesses, residents, and organizations to promote safety.
• Identify and monitor potential conflicts and individuals/groups at elevated risk of violence.
• Connect community members to supportive services such as mental health care, housing, employment, or social services.
• Provide follow-up after crises to support healing and reduce the likelihood of retaliation or recurrence.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and debriefings to share insights and improve practice.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, interventions, and referrals while respecting confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent education, required.
• 1+ years of relative experience including (but not limited to): crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, clinical work in a mental health setting, required.
• Experience in community outreach, violence prevention, youth development, social services, crisis intervention, or restorative justice programs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks.
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence.
•  Varied hours:  Shift 1 could be: 12pm - 8pm, Shift 2 could be: 7:30pm - 3:30am

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Training or certification in mediation, de-escalation, or crisis response, preferred. 
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities, particularly in Spanish or other languages common in the community, preferred. 
• Lived experience with challenges related to violence, justice system involvement, or trauma, with the ability to serve as a positive role model.
• Knowledge of local resources such as housing, employment, mental health, and social services.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Strong conflict mediation and negotiation skills.
• Basic data entry and documentation skills.
• Understanding of community violence dynamics and factors contributing to conflict in urban environments.
• Awareness of local community resources, social services, and support networks.
• Familiarity with public safety systems, restorative justice approaches, and community engagement best practices.
• Effective verbal and nonverbal communication, including active listening and empathy.
• Ability to respond calmly and strategically in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Relationship-building and trust development with diverse populations.
• Documentation and basic reporting skills to accurately record incidents and interventions.
• Problem-solving, situational assessment, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Remain composed and professional in volatile or high-pressure situations.
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