Crisis Intervention Specialist 1

SUMMARY

The Crisis Intervention Specialist 1 works closely with designated classroom Special Education Teachers, Behavior Consultants, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists to ensure integrity and fidelity of behavioral and adaptive skills programming. Crisis Intervention Specialist 1 develops positive relationships with students within designated classrooms and provides support when students are experiencing crisis behavior. Crisis Intervention Specialist 1 also provides additional support and treatment when typical school and staffing levels are insufficient to address student needs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Engages with students in a positive manner that leads to a therapeutic relationship
• Implements instructional programming, as needed to establish rapport and support classroom needs
• Assists classroom team when students display signs of escalating behaviors by providing coaching to team members and individual support for the student
• Responsible for classroom specific training on crisis plans and implementation of de-escalation strategies specific to student crisis plans
• Collaborates with Behavior Consultant in monitoring implementation of behavior plans and crisis plans for fidelity and accuracy
• Provides feedback and coaching through the use of treatment integrity checklists
• Assures staff and student safety during crisis situations through coaching and, if necessary, taking lead in crisis
• Assists with implementation of physical interventions using approved strategies in Vista’s crisis intervention curriculum as needed to maintain safety of students and staff
• Provides refreshers and specific training to direct care staff in the classroom as needed to improve crisis management and intervention response
• Ability to implement and coach staff on Vista’s crisis intervention curriculum with fidelity
• Provides coaching to all team members in a supportive and collaborative manner, and receives and implements coaching from others to improve performance 
• Conducts all interactions with staff, clients, and internal and external customers in positive, professional, and caring manner 
• Other duties as assigned 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The following positions or frequent movements are typical of the job: sitting, walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, stooping, and crawling, often for extended periods of the workday.  Assignment may require the ability to physically move clients during possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment. 

The position requires that an individual be able to learn new tasks quickly and effectively. Job requirements may change frequently. The ability to understand and carry out detailed, involved instructions is mandatory. The incumbent must be able to travel to multiple locations as needed, when needed to conduct organizational business. Subject to inside environmental conditions.

EXPECTED SCHEDULE

This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week expectation. The Crisis Intervention Specialist 1 is required to follow the school calendar, including student days and pre-scheduled in-service days. The Crisis Intervention Specialist 1 may be required to work full break weeks during periods of heavy planning per supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum high school diploma required
• Current First Aid and CPR Training required
• Successful completion of Vista’s crisis intervention training required
• Ability to implement, train, and coach other staff on the implementation of services and proper crisis prevention and intervention techniques required            

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 1 year experience working in human services field or school setting highly desired
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Graduate work in a related-service field preferred