Crisis Intervention Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s complex world, the role of a Crisis Intervention Counselor is more crucial than ever.

As societal challenges grow and evolve, the need for compassionate, skilled professionals who can navigate, mitigate, and assist in crisis situations escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Crisis Intervention Counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager planning out the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of crisis intervention counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Crisis Intervention Counselor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Crisis Intervention Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Crisis Intervention Counselors provide immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral distress or problems.

They have a critical role in managing traumatic situations, preventing further harm, and helping individuals return to their daily routines.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide immediate in-person or telephone assistance to individuals in crisis
• Assess the client’s mental status and situation severity to determine the appropriate intervention or referral
• Develop and implement an individualized crisis intervention plan
• Provide emotional support and immediate crisis resolution
• Connect individuals with needed resources or services, such as mental health professionals, shelters, or emergency services
• Follow up with individuals to ensure that crisis has been resolved and to determine whether additional services are needed
• Document all interactions and interventions for record keeping and evaluation purposes
• Collaborate with other professionals, including law enforcement, social workers, and mental health professionals, to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals

 

Crisis Intervention Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Crisis Intervention Counselor to provide immediate support and therapeutic assistance to individuals facing crisis situations.

As a Crisis Intervention Counselor, your duties will involve assessing the mental health status of clients, providing immediate counseling, and developing crisis management plans.

The ideal candidate will have a compassionate nature, excellent communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues and crisis intervention techniques.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating clients’ mental condition based on their verbal and non-verbal communication, symptoms, and behavior.
• Providing immediate therapeutic intervention and support to clients in crisis situations.
• Developing and implementing effective crisis management plans.
• Documenting all assessments, treatments, and client progress.
• Referring clients to appropriate mental health or substance abuse treatment programs.
• Working closely with community resources to ensure clients have access to additional support.
• Providing follow-up services to assess the status of clients and effectiveness of crisis management plans.
• Maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to professional ethics codes.
• Participating in ongoing professional development and training.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Crisis Intervention Counselor or similar role.
• State licensure to practice as a professional counselor or social worker.
• Excellent ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in crisis situations.
• Strong knowledge of mental health disorders and treatment methods.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of professionalism and ethical standards.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Continuing education assistance
• Paid time off
• Employee wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Crisis Intervention Counselor
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with some travel may be required for home visits or community outreach programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Manager of Counseling Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Crisis Intervention Counselor Do?

Crisis Intervention Counselors work in various settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, prisons, schools, or they can work as independent consultants.

They mainly provide support to individuals facing a crisis that may be causing extreme stress or disruption in their lives.

These professionals are trained to assess, assist, and support individuals dealing with an immediate crisis like suicidal tendencies, self-harm, severe stress, trauma, death of a loved one, or substance abuse.

They employ various therapeutic techniques to help the person in crisis to cope, and stabilize their emotions.

Crisis Intervention Counselors also offer resources and referrals for additional help, such as mental health professionals, support groups, or rehabilitation centers.

They work closely with other health professionals, social workers, and family members to develop a comprehensive care plan for the person in crisis.

They document and maintain records of the individual’s progress and follow-up on their recovery.

They also conduct community outreach programs to increase awareness and prevention of mental health issues.

Their main goal is to intervene in the crisis effectively and provide immediate, short-term help to individuals, aiming for their mental and emotional stability.

 

Crisis Intervention Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Crisis Intervention Counselor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job responsibilities, such as:

• Strong empathy and interpersonal skills to connect with patients who are experiencing a crisis and provide appropriate emotional support.
• Excellent listening and communication skills to understand a patient’s emotional state, clearly explain the intervention strategies, and answer any queries.
• Training in psychological first aid and crisis counseling techniques to provide immediate and effective assistance to patients.
• Ability to assess and evaluate the mental health needs of patients and provide appropriate counseling or refer them for additional treatment as needed.
• Proficient in crisis intervention strategies to manage aggressive behaviour, suicide risks and other challenging scenarios.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify the root cause of a crisis and develop an effective intervention plan.
• Strong understanding of cultural, social and environmental factors that can contribute to mental health crises.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions quickly.
• Excellent documentation skills for maintaining accurate and detailed records of interventions and patient progress.

 

Crisis Intervention Counselor Experience Requirements

Crisis Intervention Counselors often start their careers with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field, where they gain theoretical knowledge on human behavior, crisis management, and psychological assessment.

Internships or practical training in mental health facilities or counseling centers are typically required during their studies, providing them with real-life experience in handling crisis situations.

This hands-on practice aids in translating their theoretical knowledge into practical skills.

Post-graduation, entry-level Crisis Intervention Counselors usually have 1 to 2 years of professional experience, often through roles such as Case Manager, Mental Health Counselor, or Social Worker.

In these roles, they gain experience in handling crisis situations, conducting assessments, and providing emotional support to clients.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their counseling skills and crisis intervention techniques in full-time professional roles.

They are often adept at providing individual and group counseling, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and creating crisis intervention plans.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and may have overseen a team of counselors, managed a facility, or developed crisis intervention programs.

They are usually well-versed in complex crisis intervention strategies and have a proven track record of effectively helping clients in crisis situations.

 

Crisis Intervention Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Crisis Intervention Counselors are typically required to hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as psychology, social work, counseling, or a related subject.

Many employers, however, prefer candidates with a master’s degree in counseling or psychology, specializing in crisis intervention or trauma counseling.

As part of their training, crisis intervention counselors learn to assess, support, and provide resources to individuals facing crisis situations such as mental health emergencies, substance abuse, domestic violence, or homelessness.

Additionally, many states require Crisis Intervention Counselors to be licensed, which includes passing a state-recognized exam and completing supervised counseling experience.

The exact licensing requirements vary by state.

Crisis Intervention Counselors also need to have strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

They may also need to be trained in specific crisis intervention models and techniques.

Further, completing a certification program in crisis intervention can enhance a counselor’s skills and employability.

These programs offer specialized training in areas such as suicide prevention, child abuse, and domestic violence intervention.

Continuing education is vital in this role due to the evolving nature of crisis intervention strategies and the importance of staying current with research and best practices in the field.

 

Crisis Intervention Counselor Salary Expectations

A Crisis Intervention Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as the counselor’s level of experience, educational background, location, and the specific organization they work for.

 

Crisis Intervention Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Crisis Intervention Counselor need?

Crisis Intervention Counselors need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to establish trust and rapport with clients in crisis.

They should have an understanding of mental health disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and assessment skills to evaluate the crisis level accurately.

They should also have problem-solving skills, resilience, and emotional stability to handle high-stress situations.

 

Do Crisis Intervention Counselors need a degree?

Yes, Crisis Intervention Counselors usually need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

However, most roles require a master’s degree and some also require licensure.

In addition, experience in crisis intervention or a similar role may also be necessary.

 

What should you look for in a Crisis Intervention Counselor resume?

A Crisis Intervention Counselor’s resume should show a strong background in counseling or social work, with a focus on crisis management.

Look for a degree in a related field and any additional certifications in mental health or crisis intervention.

Evidence of experience in crisis intervention, such as work in emergency rooms, hotlines, or social services, is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Crisis Intervention Counselor?

A good Crisis Intervention Counselor is empathetic and able to maintain composure in stressful situations.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills, and be able to quickly assess a crisis situation and determine the best course of action.

Good listening and communication skills are also essential, as counselors must be able to understand clients’ needs and effectively communicate strategies and solutions.

 

What is the typical working environment for a Crisis Intervention Counselor?

Crisis Intervention Counselors can work in various settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, prisons, and community health organizations.

They may also work for hotlines or emergency services.

The work can be stressful and emotionally demanding, as they often deal with individuals in severe distress or crisis situations.

As a result, they may need to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve opened the door to the vital role of a crisis intervention counselor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about lending an empathetic ear.

It’s about offering immediate, professional guidance during times of distress, one conversation at a time.

Armed with our detailed crisis intervention counselor job description template and real-life examples, you’re all set for your next move.

But don’t stop there.

Take the plunge with our job description generator. This tool is your key to creating precise job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every conversation is a chance to make a difference.

Let’s create a safer, healthier world. Together.

How to Become a Crisis Intervention Counselor (Complete Guide)

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