SENIOR SPECIALIST CRISIS

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for providing advanced residential crisis support services within the Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit (ACSU) and/or Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CCSU). Functions as the lead direct-care staff member on assigned shifts, ensuring consumer care is delivered at the highest standard while maintaining program integrity, safety, and therapeutic structure. Provides leadership, oversight, and guidance to other staff members on shift and assists in ensuring adherence to program expectations, policies, procedures, and best practices.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES: Strong leadership, communication, organization, and critical thinking skills. Ability to effectively manage high-stress and crisis situations while maintaining professionalism and therapeutic rapport. Ability to mentor and support staff, provide direction during emergencies, and ensure consistent implementation of program expectations. Basic knowledge of MS 365 required.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: Considerable walking, standing, and participation in educational and recreational activities. Frequent hearing and talking are required to communicate with consumers, guardians, and professionals. Manual dexterity for written and electronic documentation. Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens, biohazardous waste, and communicable diseases during day-to-day contact with consumers. Ability to stoop, kneel, and utilize Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques as needed. Sufficient physical strength is required. Must have visual acuity, accurate depth perception, and physical and mental dexterity sufficient to safely transport consumers if required.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS/TASKS/RESPONSIBILIITES: 

1.       Meets productivity standards as assigned.

2.       Assist nursing staff, therapists, and supervisors with unit/milieu protocol and implementation of treatment plans.

3.       Provide a safe, structured, and highly therapeutic environment, including completion of required consumer safety checks.

4.       Serve as the primary direct-care leader on shift, ensuring consumer care, safety, and therapeutic standards are maintained at all times.

5.       Provide oversight, guidance, and support to direct-care staff while promoting accountability and professionalism within the milieu.

6.       Assist with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and implementation of Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques when necessary.

7.       Conduct or assist with psychoeducational and therapeutic groups as directed.

8.       Assist with admissions, discharges, and transitions of care.

9.       Provide orientation to newly admitted consumers.

10.   Assist nursing staff with vital signs, documentation, and emergency procedures when needed.

11.   Conduct phone screenings and assist with linkage to appropriate services.

12.   Assist with meals, including preparation, serving, and clean-up as needed.

13.   Support medication administration protocols as directed by nursing staff.

14.   Assist consumers with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as needed.

15.   Maintain all required training and certifications, including Safe Crisis Management (SCM), CPR/First Aid, medication assistance training, medical records training, OSHA, TB, Trauma-Informed Care, and other required trainings.

16.   Ensure safety of all consumers during emergencies such as fire, severe weather, or other disaster situations.

17.   Complete documentation in accordance with agency and program standards.

18.   Assist in training, onboarding, mentoring, and ongoing support of staff.

19.   Cross-train to provide coverage in other residential programs, including but not limited to ACSU, CCSU, Substance Use Residential Programming, and DIDD Residential Programs.

20.   Cross-trained to assist with management of 988 crisis calls when needed.

21.   Monitor the therapeutic milieu and ensure adherence to program expectations, consumer rights, and agency standards.

22.   Communicate concerns, incidents, and shift updates appropriately to supervisors and interdisciplinary team members.

23.  Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:  High school diploma or equivalent and 21 years of age or older required. Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in mental health, behavioral health, residential treatment, crisis services, working with children/adolescents, or a related field required.

Candidates should additionally demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience through one or more of the following:

1.       Current or previous certification in Safe Crisis Management (SCM) or a comparable crisis intervention model.

2.       Additional relevant training in areas such as Trauma-Informed Care, de-escalation techniques, medication administration, behavioral management, or crisis intervention.

3.       Prior supervisory, leadership, or shift lead experience.

4.       Bachelor’s degree or higher in Behavioral Health or a related field preferred.

5.       Must have references

6.       Must pass all required background checks.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

1.       Adheres to all policies and procedures of Inlet Health and subsidiaries.

2.       Attends mandatory in-services and other training/educational programs as required.