Crisis Training Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

CRISIS TRAINING SPECIALIST

Under the general supervision of the Director of Quality & Compliance, the Crisis Training Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering training on crisis care services. This role ensures that clinical and non-clinical personnel maintain competencies in crisis intervention, de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and safety practices. The Crisis Trainer ensures staff training and certifications records are accurate and current and serves as a subject matter resource on crisis prevention and trauma-informed de-escalation practices.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtains and maintains instructor/trainer level certification in CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Ukeru, AHA BLS, and other crisis prevention, de-escalation, or safety curricula designated by DWIHN.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a training curriculum for all Crisis Services staff, including new hire orientation and ongoing annual training.
• Facilitate training in crisis intervention models (e.g., CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Ukeru, or agency-approved equivalents).
• Deliver instructions in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, de-escalation techniques, and person-centered practices.
• Develop and update training materials, manuals, a competency checklist, and learning modules.
• Coordinated and scheduled mandatory annual refresher trainings and certifications for all Crisis Services Staff.
• Facilitate tabletop exercises, simulation scenarios, and skills demonstrations to reinforce real-world crisis response competencies.
• Ensure all training meets federal, state, local regulatory requirements, and accreditation body requirements.
• Maintain accurate training records and certification logs.
• Conduct needs assessments and gap analysis to identify training priorities based on incident reports, audits, and supervisor feedback.
• Collaborate with the Quality Improvement Team to integrate findings from critical incident reviews into training content.
• Serve as an on-site resource for staff navigating complex crisis situations, offering real-time coaching and debriefing.
• Partner with leadership to identify staff development needs and create targeted learning plans.
• Facilitate post-incident debriefs and support staff wellness following high-acuity events.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong facilitation and public speaking abilities to engage diverse audiences,
• Proficiency in developing curriculum, competency assessments, and training materials,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and learning management systems,
• Cultural competency,
• Strong organizational skills,
• Multitasking skills,
• Teamwork skills,
• Project management skills.

Required Education

A high school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, or related behavioral health

Required experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of direct experience in crisis services, behavioral health, direct care, or human service settings.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience with, or ability to obtain and maintain, instructor/trainer certifications in approved de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Ukeru).
• Demonstrated experience with, or ability to obtain and maintain, instructor certification for American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS).

Driving Requirements

• This role may require driving; must meet all requirements outlined in DWIHN driving policy.

Physical demands:

Training delivery requires the ability to physically demonstrate and practice crisis intervention techniques, including verbal and physical de-escalation, release, and support techniques. May require frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and getting up from and down to the floor, as well as lifting, supporting, or assisting another adult with their body weight during training demonstrations. May be required to lift up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

Training is conducted in classroom and simulation/practice settings across DWIHN programs and facilities. May have contact with individuals who are agitated and/or confused during role-play and simulation exercises.

EEOC Statement

DWIHN is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to fair, consistent, and merit-based hiring practices. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, local law.

Employment decisions are based solely on job-related qualifications, demonstrated competencies, and organizational needs. DWIHN maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure that recruitment, selection, promotion and all other employment actions are conducted in a manner that is objective, equitable and non-discriminatory.