Crisis Center Specialist

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY:
Provides direct services to the residents of the Crisis Center as directed by the Crisis Center 
Supervisor or other professional staff. Serves as a phone counselor and information and 
referral specialist for the Crisis Intervention/Helpline service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Monitors mental health and physical health symptoms and changes. Report any 
changes to Crisis Center Case Managers, Supervisors, and Providers. Monitor 
withdrawal symptoms if necessary. Assist with medication management, which includes 
creating MARs and reporting any discrepencies.
2. Operates Crisis Intervention/Helpline service, answers calls and provides assistance to 
callers experiencing various levels of crisis, from imminent suicide to routine requests for 
information.
3. Observes and records behavior of the residents including progress on goals identified in 
their individual plans. Follows observation instructions for suicide precautions. Interacts 
with residents to assist with mental health stabilization.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Assists the Resident Counselor or Resident Program Counselor in facilitating group 
meetings and assists in the provision of educational sessions.
2. Assists residents in constructive use of leisure time.
3. Performs duties related to the overall maintenance of the facility, including 
housekeeping, meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, etc. as assigned.
4. Transports residents when necessary.
5. May provide crisis assessments if qualified and trained.
6. Attends staff meetings, in-service training, etc. as needed.
7. Addresses and resolves conflict and manages stress in a professional manner, including 
actively engaging in professional and personal activities which help mitigate the impact 
of secondary traumatic stress. 
8. Knowledge and/or interest in Trauma Informed Care principles and practices, and a 
strong commitment to fostering a positive, healthy work culture.
9. Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
1. Reports to Crisis Center Supervisor.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION:
1. A high school education with some post high school training or experience (paid or 
volunteer) in the mental health or alcohol or other drug abuse field. Preference given to 
individuals who have a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of 
higher learning, preferably in social work, psychology, or a related field; or have 
completed a recognized alcohol and other drug abuse counselor training program.
2. Must have a driver’s license and the ability to move freely in the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. The physical and emotional capacity to adjust to problems involved in the care and 
supervision of persons having a mental illness, alcohol and other drug abuse problems, 
or experiencing significant crisis.
2. Must be able to complete annual education requirements.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills including listening skills.
4. Computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn 
and use clinical record software.
5. Working knowledge and understanding of Trauma Informed Care preferred. 
6. Ability to effectively address and resolve conflict and to manage stress in a professional 
manner. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Ability to perform most work from a sedentary position.
2. Ability to function in situations encountered in a normal office setting.
3. Ability to use standard office equipment including telephone, computer, printer, 
photocopier, and scanner.
4. Ability to travel to other County departments and locations.