Job Description:

Title: Crisis Specialist

Division: Permanent Supportive Housing

PURPOSE          

According to prescribed policies and procedures, under the general supervision of the Clinical Director or Team Leader assumes responsibility for crisis management and crisis de-escalation at designated Permanent Supportive Housing sites.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Crisis Prevention:

  a. Participate in established process to identify clients in need of prevention interventions; develop new processes to identify clients and help refine existing process

  b. Conduct wellness checks to build relationships and trust with clients; develop ongoing rapport

  c. Assist clients with linkage to the most appropriate resources and services

  d. Provide coping strategies to clients and debriefing with them after stressors or incidents;  

  e. Communicate and coordinate with case management in shelter or housing program; utilize processes in place for communication within each program and help refine as needed

  f. Model appropriate crisis prevention and de-escalation skills for coworkers; provide education to peers on identifying when a client may be about to escalate or in crisis

  g. Understand escalated behavior with clients in settings being served

Crisis De-escalation:

a. Engage in crisis de-escalation to reduce situations resulting in violence, harm, and/or police and emergency medical involvement

b. Based on training, understand when to utilize 911 when situations warrant this response; provide appropriate information when police or EMS arrive

c. Assist with initial linkage to the most appropriate resources and services to respond to emergent need and communicate back to the existing case management/care team; the existing case management/care team will then be responsible for ongoing follow-up

d. Serve as point person with authorities after a death or other crisis or significant event, providing details to emergency personnel; follow established agency protocol

e. Communicate and coordinate with on-site staff throughout shift as well as with Case Managers, and/or Program Managers for post-crisis client follow-up

EXPECTATIONS

• Ensures all residents and staff are treated with respect and dignity. Reports all complaints made by residents and/or families to the appropriate supervisors. Reports all allegations of abuse, misappropriation of funds/property and/or any other corporate compliance items immediately.
• Adheres to all policies, procedures, terms and conditions set forth in the NCR Employee Information Guide (EIG), Policy and Procedure Guide (PPG), and facility handbook including, but not limited to, corporate compliance, drug free workplace, safe work practices, all federal, state, local regulations and laws.

• Completes assigned orientation and onboarding training
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Participate in 100% of scheduled crisis prevention and intervention trainings
• Participate in at least 90% of scheduled Practice Group sessions
• Complete documentation related to duties of position including reporting on client contacts, engagement numbers, etc.
• Contribute to sharing of information for project reporting and evaluation

JOB SPECIFICATION SHEET— (Crisis Specialist)

Education:      Bachelor of Social Work or comparable degree in Psychology or Counseling is preferred. High school diploma  or GED required. 

Experience:   1-2 years previous experience (lived or professional) in crisis and de-escalation work, mental health and substance use disorders, housing and homelessness

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, military status, disability, genetic information and/or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.