Crisis Response Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Crisis Response Specialist is responsible for responding to and managing crisis situations involving youth residents at The Centers, H.O.P.E. Campus. This position uses trauma-informed and youth-centered approaches to de-escalate conflicts, ensure safety, and support both residents and staff during high-stress incidents. The Crisis Response Specialist. collaborates with the clinical and programming teams to promote a safe and supportive environment, contributing to residents' emotional regulation and overall well-being.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond promptly to crisis situations involving residents, including behavioral escalations, safety concerns, and conflicts.
• Utilize trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques to stabilize situations while maintaining the dignity and respect of all involved.
• Assess risks and implement safety protocols to protect residents, staff, and the facility.
• Serve as the on-call crisis response lead during designated shifts.
• Provide emotional and behavioral support to residents in crisis, helping them to process emotions and regain control.
• Assist staff in managing crisis situations, offering guidance and modeling effective de-escalation techniques.
• Conduct debriefings with staff and residents following crises to process the event and identify lessons learned.
• Train and mentor staff on trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention strategies, and de-escalation techniques.
• Lead regular drills and simulations to prepare staff for potential crisis scenarios.
• Stay current on best practices in crisis response and share knowledge with the team.
• Work closely with the Safety and Security Manager to develop and implement crisis response protocols.
• Partner with clinical and case management teams to support residents' treatment plans following crises.
• Maintain clear and consistent documentation of crisis incidents, including actions taken and outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with residents, staff, and external stakeholders as needed.
• Monitor trends in crisis incidents and collaborate with leadership to identify preventative measures.
• Analyze incident reports to recommend changes in policies or practices to reduce future crises.
• Provide detailed reports to the Safety and Security Manager on crisis response outcomes.

OTHER JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the facility in community outreach, networking, and partnership-building activities.
• Participate in special projects or initiatives as assigned by senior leadership.
• Act as a liaison between staff, residents, families, and other stakeholders.

• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISION

• This position has no supervisor responsibilities.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability: Ability to adjust strategies to meet the unique needs of each crisis. Resilient and able to maintain focus in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective interactions. Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Crisis Intervention: Expert in applying trauma-informed and youth-centered crisis response techniques. Skilled in assessing and managing high-stakes situations to ensure safety.
• De-escalation Techniques: Proficient in calming volatile situations and guiding individuals toward positive resolutions. Ability to teach and model effective de-escalation practices for staff.
• Leadership and Team Support: Skilled in providing guidance, support, and mentorship to staff during and after crises. Collaborative in working with interdisciplinary teams to develop proactive safety strategies.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Deep understanding of trauma's impact on youth behavior and development. Compassionate and empathetic in addressing residents' needs during crises.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in social services, health and human services, or a related field
• Minimum of two (2) years of youth residential treatment experience preferred.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainer preferred.
• Experience performing Therapeutic Crisis Intervention or Crisis Prevention Institute training.
• Intermediate experience in Microsoft Office Suite and related program software.
• Able to successfully complete the train-the-trainer program for agency approved evidence-based crisis intervention model.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

This job operates in a youth residential treatment facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms. This position may encounter blood or other body fluids. Travel and work outside of normal hours will be required for meetings, presentations, training, crisis and other events. The position also requires:

• Ability to frequently work with and around household cleaning agents and other chemicals.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and move heavy objects.
• Work involves some exposure to physical risks such as physical restraint, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities in a facility or residence with multiple levels and without elevators or mechanical transportation.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the affiliated organizations. Since no position description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.