Crisis Intervention Specialist

Essential Duties 

1. Assumes coverage responsibility in the absence of cottage supervisors (after hours and on weekends), due to last minute call outs or emergencies.
2. Responds to unusual or emergency situations involving children/clients in the community and in Five Acres residences (group home) to help to de-escalate situations in accordance with the agency safety policies.
3. Intervenes as needed in child crisis situations to ensure the safety of children and staff; uses physical restraint only when absolutely necessary, assesses situations and determines initial safety and risk evaluations; implements de-escalation and stabilization interventions only in accordance with methods and techniques approved by the agency.
4. Completes cottage rounds according to established schedule, document accordingly (i.e. CIS logs), monitors and follows up toward timely resolution of any identified problems. Communicates, reports and documents unstable behaviors and interventions to the child and family team in a timely manner.
5. Conducts routine security checks throughout the shift to ensure all gates, doors, windows are closed/locked as required, that no safety hazards exist, and that the physical plant is safe and secure at all times. Ensures fleet vehicles and keys are accounted for and logged accordingly. Report all maintenance issues to operations in a timely matter.
6. Participates in identifying clients' needs and triggers (within a strength based and family centered model) to escalation and barriers; makes recommendations for action to supervisors and treatment team; participates in team/staff conferences as needed regarding solutions to STRTP clients' barriers.
7. Maintains working knowledge of agency, contractual and licensing policies and procedures in order to enforce and maintain professional practices and principles.
8. Establishes and maintains rapport and effective working relationships with children and families and to work effectively within the agency and community at large
9. Provides coaching/training to cottage staff on issues relevant to SED populations, as needed.
10. Assists nursing staff with duties related to cottage-based monitoring of children's physical health and medication administration in the event they are absent.

Qualifications 

To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:

• Bachelor's degree plus four (4) years' experience, or Associates degree plus six (6) years' experience, working in a behavioral mental health/social services setting.
• Several years of increasingly responsible administrative/supervisory experience
• Effective communication skills both oral and written; bi-lingual skills in Spanish/English are preferred
• Ability to be flexible and work in a changing environment
• Ability to pass and utilize the Pro Act physical restraint system
• Computer skills sufficient to meet production demands of the job including Microsoft Office and WELLIGENT software for program notes and skill in maintaining detailed, accurate and complete records
• Must have a valid California Driver License, proof of automobile insurance and meet the Agency's safe driver guidelines.
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification
• Sensitivity to the different cultures represented among the clients, families served, community partners and staff
• A basic understanding of age-appropriate behavior for children/adolescents
• Knowledge of emergency procedures of the Agency
• Ability to model positive behaviors and Agency values
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work varied hours including evenings, nights and weekends

Compensation Range: $22.50/hr - $30.38/hr

Work culture matters at 5A! We offer a comprehensive benefits package with a medical coverage option as low as $5 with free dental HMO, vision, life insurance, AD&D and disability insurance. We offer a 401k with an annual match up to 3%, annual performance reviews with up to 4% merit (6% for direct service providers), plus annual retention stipends. We offer team building retreats, wellness incentive, 12 paid holidays and flexible work schedules, including remote options for identified positions!