Engagement & Crisis Intervention Specialist

Purpose of Position:

Engages clients in Front Lobby and Community Room in services.

Conducts rapid needs assessment of immediate needs, diverts from homeless services system or

refers for Crossroads services as appropriate. Coordinates response to clients in crisis to ensure

safety of all involved. Provides guidance and direction to Front Desk Reception staff and Safety

Officers on shift to ensure that environment is safe, respectful and trauma-informed.

Available Shifts

Part-time 1st shift Saturday & Sunday 7am-3pm

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advocates for the mission of the organization and upholds the agency’s values.
• Delivers service with safety, respect and effectiveness.
• Provides guidance and direction to Front Desk Reception staff and Safety Officers on shift to ensure a welcoming and trauma-informed environment, and to ensure that services are provided in accordance with Crossroads’ values and current policies.
• Engages with clients in Community Room and Front Lobby in order to build rapport and assess immediate needs. Refers for services through Crossroads programs or from other providers as appropriate.
• Responds to crisis situations, using Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques to deescalate situation whenever possible. Provides direction to Safety and Front Desk staff, and obtains assistance from emergency medical or police as needed.
• Interacts with emergency personnel such as police, rescue and fire to facilitate services while protecting client confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Oversees Emergency Overflow shelter in Community Room, including distribution, cleaning, and collection of sleeping mats, blankets, towels, etc.
• Completes after hours intakes with individuals and families and enters data into HMIS accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains and updates bed list in HMIS on a daily basis.
• Enters routine Service Transactions (e.g., laundry, showers, mail, telephone use, etc.) into HMIS daily.
• Provides backup coverage for reception staff as needed.
• Oversees Food Pantry.
• In conjunction with Development Department, facilitates the receiving and storage of
• donations.
• Oversees completion of “House” laundry daily.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree and/or certificate in the Human Services field. Equivalent experience working with disempowered and oppressed populations may be considered in lieu of degree / certificate.
• At least 1 year of experience in Human Services field such as advocacy or case management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent engagement and assessment skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Ability to communicate effectively and be a team player
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills
• Ability to take and supply constructive feedback
• Understanding of Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed Care.
• Must successfully complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of client information
• Strong professional boundaries.
• Understands the effects of poverty, oppression, sexism and other experiences that
• disempowered populations encounter
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel Outlook, etc.) and data entry etc.

Physical demands and work environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: Sitting, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, reaching, carrying, speaking, listening
• Work environment: An environment of high stress and fast pace. The noise level is often moderate to loud. Protocol for safety and security is a priority. Use of phones, in person assistance, computer, fax and other general office machinery.

Equal Opportunity Employer Crossroads is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recovery Friendly Workplace Crossroads is committed to creating a healthy, safe, and stigma-free work environment for those employees impacted by addiction and is a proud participant in RI Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative. https://recoveryfriendlyri.com/about/