Crisis Care Specialist

The Crisis Care Specialist provides evidence-based in-home therapeutic interventions to family
and youth under the guidance of a Crisis Care Therapist and assists the facilitation of adjustment, positive growth,
and development of the youth and family.

Nature and Scope of Position:
• Provides Home Support Services (HSS)
• Prepares written reports
• Attends intra-agency staff meetings and contributes to the clinical and administrative decision-making
process
• Works closely with partner agencies in the System of Care (SOC) grant
• Reports to the Program and Clinical Directors
• Has no direct supervisory responsibilities with other staff

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Engages as part of the Home Support Services team (Crisis Care Therapist and Crisis Care Specialist).
Tasks include (but not limited to):
o Work with the Crisis Care Therapist to ensure the use of evidence-based interventions
o Engage with the youth and caregivers in initial and continued psychoeducation related to the
youth’s diagnoses and/or behavioral health needs, as well as applicable intervention strategies
o Work with the youth and caregivers to develop adaptive and emotional coping skills across
settings, such as emotional regulation, problem solving, communication, conflict management,
and decision making
o Work with caregivers to help them acquire and use behavior management skills as indicated by
the treatment plan. Examples include consistency and follow through, use of meaningful rewards
and consequences, problem solving, praise and positive communication, conflict resolution, and
the development of child supervision and monitoring plans
o Work with caregivers to develop supportive and nurturing relationships with the youth that
promote resiliency and wellness
o Demonstrate competency in cognitive behavioral interventions, including assisting youth and
caregivers in identifying underlying emotions and emotional triggers, and in developing
cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and/or adaptive thinking patterns
o Work with the youth and caregivers to identify non-adaptive interactional patterns and develop
and implement family system interventions that increase youth and caregiver adaptive responses
and functioning
o Each HSS team must provide at least 75% of services in the home, school, or community
setting(s)
o Administer and document the CASII or ECSII functional assessment in each individualized
treatment plan and 90-day treatment plan review. The treatment plan will include anchor points
identified in the CASII or ECSII as areas of treatment focus
• Refer, consult on, and advocate for all clients on active caseload with SOC partners and other community
agencies
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about community services available for clientele
• Complete continuing education and other trainings as required by licensing agency and/or Youth Homes
• Participate in clinical consultation and group staffing
• Maintain documentation as required by policy (determined by agency, Council on Accreditation, and
State of Montana), review client records, and prepare necessary reports.
• Other Responsibilities
o To follow all practice and policies of Youth Homes
o To operate and understand the philosophical direction of Youth Homes
o To do what is in the best interest of children
o To use the best possible judgment in each decision
o To perform the job independently
o To consult and obtain advice when necessary
o Promotes ethnic and cultural sensitivity in all facets of the program.
• Other Duties as assigned by Program or Clinical Directors

Required Skills/Abilities:
• Good character
• Willingness to work under challenging conditions in client’s homes and community settings, and at
times convenient to clients
• Be willing to function as part of the organization’s Crisis Telephone Services
• Commitment to mission of the agency
• Maintain appropriate professional ethical conduct
• Demonstrated knowledge in:
o Foster care, adoption, kinship, guardianship and permanency
o The child welfare system
o The juvenile justice system
o The mental health system
o Conflict resolution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership skills

Education and Experience:
• A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field
• Preferred 2 years of experience in working with high-risk children and their families
• Ability to relate to children and families of varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. as needed
• Ability to climb stairs as needed

Employee Classification, Compensation and Benefits:
• This position is a full-time, exempt position
• Compensation is based on range established in the Youth Homes’ Salary Schedule
• Youth Homes provides a generous benefit package inclusive of employer funded:
o Annual, educational, and exceptional leave
o Long-term disability and life insurance
• Employer contributions to:
o Health insurance
o Health Savings Account
o 401(k)
• Available access for employee funded:
o Dependent care flex account
o Dental insurance coverage
o Vision insurance coverage
o Pet insurance coverage

Salary : $18 - $20