Crisis Intervention Specialist

Crisis Intervention Specialist – Part-time & Floater (PRN)

Residential/Non-Residential   

Part-Time / Non-Exempt                                                                                                                        

Galveston, Texas

Shift Schedule:  Monday to Thursday, 5:00pm - 10:00pm and On-Call Friday, 5:00pm - 10:00pm. 

Position is Part-time, no more than twenty-eight (28) hours per week; with 24-hour on-call coverage between Monday and Friday as discussed with the department manager.  Shift may include holiday coverage as needed.

JOB SUMMARY

The Crisis Intervention Specialist serves primarily as an advocate and case manager for victims of sexual assault and provides hospital and law enforcement accompaniment to underserved and newly established hospitals and law enforcement agencies.  The Crisis Intervention Specialist, along with other trained staff and volunteers support Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County, Inc. (RCC) Certified Rape Crisis Center programming and services. The Crisis Intervention Specialist responds in-person and by phone to victims of sexual assault, therefore this job requires access to reliable personal transportation to fulfill medical accompaniment responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide medical accompaniment on an on-call basis for victims of sexual assault.
• Respond promptly to hospitals for medical accompaniment to victims of sexual assault.
• Provide clients forms and information to begin recovery. Supports as advocate and facilitator working in partnership with survivors.
• Help clients develop a recovery plan by jointly reviewing the assistance they have received, identifying any un-met needs, and determining possible sources for gaps in resources.
• Provide evidence-based and trauma informed interventions (i.e., crisis intervention) for clients as appropriate to employee training, and licensing.
• Remain in contact with the client until the survivors’ needs are met and/or the case is closed.
• Maintain detailed records of every case, every referral, and every contact with the client or in the client’s behalf according to grantor and agency requirements.
• Complete required documentation and enter data into client database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Report essential information regarding clients to the supervisor.
• Complete Crime Victims Compensation application and secure signatures on client forms, including releases of information.
• Identify options and explain legal rights, including referring clients for legal instruction, protective orders, and legal representation.
• Provide court accompaniment as needed.
• Participate in diagnostic evaluations as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Refer clients to another program or agency when appropriate.
• Share expert crisis intervention techniques and trainings on sexual violence and assault to RCCGC staff, other professionals, civic groups, social service agencies, volunteers, and the general public.
• May serve on professional panels and perform community education presentations regarding sexual assault and RCCGC services.

• May support or conduct the 40-hour required Sexual Assault Response Training for staff and volunteers, using the Office of the Attorney General curriculum.
• May assist with recruiting volunteers for the medical accompaniment program.
• Conduct educational groups with residential and non-residential clients.
• Network with other agencies to stay informed about services and resources and develop detailed database of referral resources and assistance offered.
• Develop working relationships with resource contacts, medical institutions, law enforcement, and social service agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORK SCHEDULE

Shift Schedule:  Monday to Thursday, 5:00pm - 10:00pm and On-Call Friday, 5:00pm - 10:00pm.  Position is Part-time, no more than twenty-eight (28) hours per week; with 24-hour on-call coverage between Monday and Friday as discussed with the department manager.  Shift may include holiday coverage as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to operate various office machines and/or equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to speak and hear clearly. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift approximately 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job. include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job which is primarily an office environment.

SUPERVISOR AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position reports to the Client Services Manager. There are no direct reports to this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field; will consider combination of college coursework in education, social-economic development and a minimum three (3) years of work experience in social services or a related field.
• Valid, in good-standing, state-issued driver license.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Demonstrated experience must closely align with the essential job functions listed above.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. 
• Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and planning skills.
• Knowledge, experience, and demonstration of skill in any or all of the following: crisis intervention; hotline and emergency response; victim’s rights and available services; sexual violence; law enforcement and court procedures.

• Knowledge and experience with trauma-informed theory and working with survivors of trauma.
• Must be able to establish rapport with others and always maintain healthy boundaries.
• Must be able to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff.
• Must be able to weigh and evaluate personal needs, client needs and the aims and policies of RCCGC, and to respond and negotiate these competing needs as appropriate.
• Must be able to remain calm and supportive in psychological emergencies and/or crises. 
• Must be polite, compassionate, courteous, and tactful with the public, victims, their families, law enforcement, and other agency staff.
• Must have an enhanced level of self-awareness around how he or she relates to others and an ability to effectively modify this personal style as conditions warrant.