Crisis Intervention Specialist - Community Health Programs - Pittsfield

Crisis Intervention Specialist

$65,000 - $78,000 Per Year

Pittsfield

Full Time

Human Services
Counselor
Social Services

Certification
Required

2+

LADC II Massachusetts - Preference: Preferred
CADC Massachusetts - Preference: Preferred
CADC II Massachusetts - Preference: Preferred
LADC Massachusetts - Preference: Preferred

The Crisis Intervention Specialist position is contingent upon grant funds, employment will depend on the successful acquisition and continuation of the behavioral health grant.

The Crisis Intervention Specialist provides immediate, trauma-informed crisis response to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises, substance use relapse, housing instability, and related psychosocial stressors. This role focuses on risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and care coordination, with an emphasis on preparing patients for higher levels of care and supporting continuity of treatment. The Crisis Intervention Specialist operates within an integrated, multidisciplinary recovery team in alignment with Massachusetts behavioral health standards.

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Recovery Team Crisis Supervisor
• Works in clinical supervision and collaboration with the Addiction Psychologist and Medical Director

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide on-site and community-based crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, substance use relapse, emotional dysregulation, and psychosocial instability.
• Conduct risk assessments related to suicidality, self-harm, substance use, psychiatric decompensation, and environmental stressors using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• Implement de-escalation techniques, safety planning, and short-term stabilization interventions in high-acuity situations.
• Support patients in pre-admission readiness for higher levels of care, including detoxification, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, residential substance use treatment, and step-down services.
• Assist individuals experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, coordinating with shelters, residential programs, housing providers, and community-based resources to reduce barriers to treatment engagement.
• Provide support during relapse episodes, ambivalence toward treatment, and transitions between levels of care using motivational and strengths-based interventions.
• Collaborate closely with the Recovery Team Crisis Supervisor, Addiction Psychologist, Medical Director, and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated, clinically appropriate care.
• Maintain timely and accurate crisis documentation, safety plans, and clinical notes in accordance with Massachusetts regulatory, funding, and program standards.
• Communicate effectively with hospitals, emergency departments, residential programs, outpatient providers, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care.
• Demonstrate professionalism, emotional regulation, and sound clinical judgment in fast-paced, high-stress crisis environments.

 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing direct crisis intervention services in behavioral health, substance use, or community-based settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, substance use relapse, and housing instability.
• Strong skills in risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, safety planning, and stabilization.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary clinical team and under clinical supervision.
• Proficiency in clinical documentation and adherence to Massachusetts behavioral health standards.
• High level of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities in crisis situations.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• CADC, CADC II, LADC, or LADC II certification (preferred, not required).
• Experience in mobile crisis, hospital-based crisis services, residential treatment, detoxification, or community behavioral health programs.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts DMH, BSAS, or grant-funded behavioral health services.
• Experience coordinating care across medical, psychiatric, housing, and social service systems.

 

Work Environment

• Community-based and clinical settings, including crisis response environments.
• Fast-paced role requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and the ability to manage high-acuity situations.
• Regular collaboration with clinical leadership and multidisciplinary team members.