Behavioral Health Transport Specialist (On-Call) in Sterling, Colorado at Centennial Mental Health Center Incorporated

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides safe, professional, trauma-informed transportation and supervision of individuals receiving behavioral health services during assigned secure transportation requests. Behavioral Health Transport Specialists serve scheduled on-call shifts and respond to transportation requests dispatched during those shifts. Specialists work collaboratively with Centennial's Emergency Response Team (ERT), clinical staff, hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners to safely transport individuals to the appropriate level of care.

This position is designed to provide flexible transportation coverage during periods of operational need. While assigned to an on-call shift, employees are expected to remain available, respond promptly to dispatch communications, and complete all transportation assignments issued during their scheduled coverage period. On-call shifts are scheduled in advance; however, callback hours are dependent upon operational demand and are not guaranteed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve scheduled on-call shifts and remain available throughout the assigned coverage period.
• Perform and document a complete vehicle safety inspection at the beginning of each scheduled on-call shift prior to being available for dispatch. Time required to complete the inspection shall be considered compensable callback time.
• Safely transport individuals between hospitals, behavioral health facilities, crisis stabilization units, outpatient clinics, residential programs, or other approved destinations.
• Provide continuous observation and supervision of individuals before, during, and after transport until responsibility is transferred to authorized receiving personnel.
• Utilize trauma-informed care principles, verbal de-escalation techniques, and professional boundaries throughout all client interactions.
• Maintain communication with the Facilities Manager/Transportation Lead, Emergency Response Team, dispatch personnel, and receiving facilities regarding assignment status, client status, delays, and transport completion.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and sanitize the vehicle following each transport in accordance with agency infection prevention procedures.
• Assist clients entering and exiting vehicles and provide mobility assistance within the scope of training.
• Safely operate wheelchair lifts and properly secure mobility devices when required.
• Complete transportation logs, mileage records, electronic documentation, vehicle reports, required signatures, and other records accurately and within established timeframes.
• Utilize agency-issued communication devices, GPS navigation systems, scheduling software, and electronic documentation platforms.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, safety concerns, unusual incidents, or client emergencies to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all Centennial policies and procedures, transportation protocols, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, confidentiality requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain a valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, required certifications, and all employment qualifications throughout employment.
• Successfully complete all required orientation, annual competencies, crisis intervention training, defensive driving training, and other assigned education.
• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.

ON-CALL WORK SCHEDULE

Behavioral Health Transport Specialists may be scheduled for designated 10-hour on-call coverage periods based on operational needs. During an assigned on-call period, the employee is expected to remain available, maintain reliable communication with the Center, respond promptly to dispatch requests, and remain prepared to complete secure transportation assignments as directed. Actual transportation and client-monitoring assignments will vary based on operational demand, and a scheduled on-call period does not guarantee that a transportation assignment will occur.

On-call schedules are established in advance and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and other periods of identified operational need. Employees are expected to comply with all applicable response-time, communication, transportation, documentation, and safety requirements while assigned to on-call coverage.

PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSE EXPECTATIONS

Successful performance in this position requires dependable participation in scheduled on-call coverage and timely response to transportation assignments.

Employees are expected to:

• Report for all scheduled on-call shifts prepared, fit for duty, and able to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Complete the required vehicle safety inspection before becoming available for dispatch at the beginning of each scheduled on-call shift.
• Remain continuously available and immediately reachable through agency-approved communication methods throughout the scheduled on-call period.
• Acknowledge dispatch communications as promptly as possible.
• Begin travel to the assigned pickup location immediately following dispatch unless otherwise directed by the Transportation Coordinator or supervisor.
• Arrive at the assigned pickup location as quickly as reasonably possible, considering distance, weather, road conditions, traffic, and safe vehicle operation. Under normal operating conditions, arrival shall not exceed two (2) hours from the time of dispatch.
• Accept and complete all transportation assignments dispatched during the scheduled on-call period.
• Immediately notify the Facilities Manager/Transportation Lead if circumstances arise that may delay response or prevent completion of an assigned transport.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Demonstrate professional, respectful, and trauma-informed interactions with clients, hospitals, emergency departments, law enforcement agencies, receiving facilities, and community partners.
• Consistent failure to meet these performance expectations may result in corrective action, including removal from scheduled on-call assignments, in accordance with Centennial policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of all required onboarding, Emergency Response Team orientation, secure transportation training, HIPAA training, de-escalation training, defensive driving training, criminal background screening, and any other required certifications prior to independently accepting transport assignments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and safety-focused during behavioral health crises.
• Ability to establish rapport while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and verbal de-escalation principles.
• Strong judgment, situational awareness, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to accurately complete electronic documentation.
• Proficiency using smartphones, GPS navigation, scheduling software, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with behavioral health providers, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners.
• Ability to travel throughout Centennial's service area.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to repeatedly enter and exit vehicles throughout a shift.
• Ability to safely assist clients with transfers and mobility.
• Ability to lift or assist with lifting up to 100 pounds using appropriate equipment and safe lifting techniques.
• Ability to push occupied wheelchairs over paved and unpaved surfaces.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a vehicle.
• Ability to safely secure passengers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-trip vehicle inspections and maintain safe vehicle operation in varying weather and road conditions.

Pay Range: This on-call position will be offered at a $50 on call base rate for a 10-hour shift and $25/hour for on the clock transportation.