Crisis Intervention Specialist

Job Title: CIS Crisis Intervention Specialist Department: Program/Operations Department Location: Communities In Schools of Southeast Harris County and Brazoria County Reports To: Assigned Program Director FLSA Status: Exempt Last Updated: July 2025 SUMMARY This position will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the mental health crisis program at the school sites. The Crisis Intervention Specialist works closely with principals, counselors, students, parents, community members, and other concerned individuals to ensure that identified CIS programs are provided. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Coordinate services for identified students and families during the school day and possibly before and after school. Interview students and/or parents and/or guardians regarding personal and family adjustments, abuse, criminal conduct, finances, employment, food, clothing, housing, and physical and mental impairments to determine the nature and degree of the problem. Collect and evaluate information on medical, psychological, and social factors contributing to the student's situation, and assess the student’s capacities. Provide individual counseling, family counseling, or small group counseling to address plans to meet needs and help students mobilize internal capacities and environmental resources to improve social functioning. Assist students in modifying attitudes and patterns of behavior by increasing their self‑awareness of personal issues. Maintain knowledge of community resources and agencies and connect appropriate resources to students’ and families’ needs. Refer and follow up with students, parents, and guardians to community resources and other organizations. Compile records and prepare reports, meeting required deadlines. Review service action plans and conduct follow‑up inquiries to assess the quantity and quality of crisis services provided and the status of the student’s case. Access and record student and community resource information. Obtain supplementary information such as free and reduced‑price lunch status, discipline reports, grades, and other school data necessary for an accurate assessment of the student’s needs. Involve volunteers in their areas of interest and expertise. Work closely with principals and counselors to structure programs that meet the campus needs; determine student eligibility for financial assistance when required. Deliver individual mentoring, counseling, or organized group sessions to achieve the CIS Crisis Intervention program objective. Plan, organize, and implement program design to meet students’ and families’ needs. Relate, motivate, and encourage students, parents/guardians, administrators, faculty, and staff. Maintain knowledge of resources in Southeast Harris and/or Brazoria County. Interact consistently in a positive manner with diverse groups of school, city, and state entities. Exhibit excellent work attitude, strong work ethic, and self‑motivation. Be responsible for program planning and implementation of objectives. Facilitate, develop, or conduct workshops as deemed necessary by senior leadership. Encourage and motivate parents to be actively involved in their children’s school activities. Assist students and parents in implementing recreational and extracurricular activities to enhance self‑esteem and reinforce developmental skills. Work with parents, students, and staff on CIS fundraising activities and provide a financial report after each activity. SUPERVISION The crisis specialist is supervised by the Communities In Schools of Southeast Harris and Brazoria County Crisis Intervention Program Director. EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field. LICENSE License in psychology or social work, or a related field. EXPERIENCE Minimum of three years’ experience in a work setting. Must be able to work with students and parents of low and medium incomes and interface with school and community members. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfy each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common and/or technical documents; respond to inquiries or complaints from campus sites or the community; and present information to faculty, staff, administrators, and board of directors. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpret instructions; and deal with abstract and concrete variables. TECHNICAL SKILLS Minimum of two years’ computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, or comparable programs; ability to use the CISTMS software for data entry and statewide reporting. WORK ENVIRONMENT Representative of the environment encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities. Campus and office accommodations vary. TRAVEL Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and a good driving record. Required to operate a personal vehicle for home visits, meetings, conferences, workshops, and training. May travel to Austin or other Texas locations for training. Attend scheduled staff meetings as needed. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Oral and written communication skills. Professional appearance and grooming. Excellent work attitude and interpersonal skills. Team player; collaborate with other crisis specialists. Ability to function in a diverse job environment. EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM JOB Cell phone Telephone Copy machine Computer PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Frequently sit (25%-80% of time). Frequently stand (10%-60%). Frequently walk (10%-40%) within the office. Lift and carry 5-20 lbs frequently; occasionally 40-70 lbs. Push and pull objects and occasionally move items or furniture. Occasionally bend and kneel; flex upper trunk forward; reach above shoulder height. Occasionally climb stairs or inclined surfaces. Must be able to commute, move between work locations, and work a flexible schedule (evenings/weekends). ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Occasional outdoor work in hot, cold, or wet conditions. Occasional evening and night hours outside. Work alone or with others; sometimes cramped quarters. APPEARANCE Neat Professional Representative of CIS image ADHERENCE TO PHILOSOPHY, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES Knowledge of and compliance with the philosophy of compassion, care, and respect. Non‑judgmental acceptance of all students, parents, volunteers, staff, and co‑workers. Establish and maintain good rapport. Display consistently positive attitude. Remain composed during stressful situations. EEO STATEMENT CIS‑SHC and BC employees are protected by federal laws, Presidential Executive Orders, and other laws designed to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non‑merit‑based factor. These protections cover all recruitment, promotion, training, and development practices. Retaliation against protected activity is prohibited. Managers and supervisors must prevent, document, and correct harassing conduct promptly. OTHER DUTIES This job description does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties. Roles and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr