Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly unpredictable world, the need for Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinators is more crucial than ever.
As crisis situations escalate, the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, manage and alleviate the stress induced by critical incidents intensifies.
But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected of a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricate nature of stress debriefing in critical incidents,
You’re at the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinators perform a vital role in managing the emotional and psychological responses of individuals and teams to traumatic events.
They coordinate and conduct sessions to help those affected cope with the aftermath of a critical incident.
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Assess the emotional and psychological needs of individuals and teams affected by a critical incident
- Plan and coordinate Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) sessions
- Facilitate open discussions during debriefing sessions to allow individuals to express their feelings and reactions to the incident
- Provide psychological first aid and post-traumatic stress management
- Collaborate with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care
- Recommend further treatment or counseling services if necessary
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
- Follow up with individuals and teams to monitor their emotional and psychological recovery
- Document all sessions and treatments for future reference and ongoing care
- Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in critical incident stress management
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator.
The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and implementing critical incident stress debriefings and interventions for employees following traumatic events in the workplace.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinators must be well-versed in psychological first aid and crisis intervention techniques.
They should also be comfortable working in high-stress situations and be able to effectively communicate with diverse groups of people.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and implement critical incident stress debriefings and interventions.
- Provide psychological first aid to employees affected by traumatic events.
- Maintain confidentiality and provide support in a non-judgmental, empathic manner.
- Work closely with management to assess the need for interventions and debriefings.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community resources for referrals.
- Prepare and deliver training sessions on critical incident stress management techniques.
- Ensure all interventions and debriefings are documented accurately.
- Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to critical incident stress management.
- Stay updated on latest research and developments in critical incident stress management.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator or similar role.
- Experience in crisis intervention and psychological first aid.
- Strong understanding of critical incident stress management techniques.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion and integrity.
- BSc/MSc degree in Psychology, Social Work or a relevant field.
- Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management or related field is preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator
- Work Environment: This role may require travel to various locations within the company or district, depending on where incidents occur.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Employee Wellness or Human Resources Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 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 company. 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 Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Do?
A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Coordinator is a professional who provides support and guidance to individuals or groups who have been exposed to high-stress incidents that may result in psychological trauma.
They work in various settings such as hospitals, emergency services, military organizations, and other environments where stressful situations can occur.
CISD Coordinators facilitate the debriefing process by helping those involved in a critical incident to express their feelings, thoughts, and reactions.
This process enables the impacted individuals to better cope with the psychological stress and reduces the chances of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
They also play a crucial role in identifying individuals who may require additional psychological support or intervention.
They can recommend further counseling or therapy, when necessary.
CISD Coordinators often collaborate with other professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to ensure that individuals receive the most appropriate mental health care.
They are responsible for creating a safe and non-judgmental space for affected individuals to share their experiences, which can help in speeding up their recovery process.
In addition, they may also provide training to other staff members to better prepare them in handling such critical incidents, thus promoting a psychologically healthy environment.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Qualifications and Skills
A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator should possess a range of skills and qualifications to handle the complexities of the job, including:
- Exceptional listening and communication skills to effectively facilitate debriefing sessions and communicate with individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
- Strong knowledge of psychological and emotional responses to stress and trauma to provide appropriate interventions.
- Ability to assess the emotional well-being of individuals and recognize signs of trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Excellent organizational skills to coordinate and manage debriefing sessions, ensuring they are conducted in a structured, supportive, and safe environment.
- Empathy and sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of individuals experiencing acute emotional distress.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and emergency services personnel.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify potential issues or challenges during debriefing sessions and develop appropriate solutions.
- Resilience and emotional stability to manage personal responses to traumatic information and maintain professional function.
- Knowledge of confidentiality and privacy regulations to protect the rights and personal information of participants.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Experience Requirements
The role of a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Coordinator typically requires a solid foundation in crisis management and psychological support.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or a related field is commonly expected, along with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in crisis intervention or trauma counseling.
Experience in a clinical setting such as a hospital, mental health clinic, or counseling center where individuals have been directly exposed to critical incidents, trauma, or crisis situations is beneficial.
Such hands-on experience helps in understanding the psychological effects of critical incidents and how to efficiently debrief and support those affected.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in relevant roles often have a stronger grasp of the CISD process and are more adept at coordinating and leading debriefing sessions.
They may also have experience in training other professionals in the implementation of the CISD process.
Those with over 10 years of experience in the field may also have been involved in research or policy development related to crisis intervention and debriefing.
They might also have experience in a leadership role, such as managing a team of crisis intervention specialists, and can be considered for senior or managerial roles.
It should be noted that this role also requires specific certifications such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Psychological First Aid (PFA), which further adds to the experience requirements.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Education and Training Requirements
To become a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Coordinator, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field is typically required.
This role often involves dealing with people in crisis, so coursework or training in crisis intervention and trauma can be particularly beneficial.
This education provides a foundation for understanding human behavior, especially under stress or trauma.
In addition to a degree, various certifications are available to demonstrate proficiency in the field.
These include the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) certification and other related crisis response trainings.
It’s also common for CISD Coordinators to have a master’s degree in a related field, focusing on areas such as trauma counseling or crisis management.
This advanced education often includes extensive training in psychological first aid, post-traumatic stress disorder, and crisis intervention strategies.
Work experience in a related field, such as emergency services, mental health, or social work, is also often required or highly beneficial.
This practical experience is crucial for understanding the dynamics and needs of individuals and teams during crisis situations.
Lastly, the CISD Coordinator must maintain a professional practice standard, which includes continuous professional development and adherence to a code of ethics.
This often requires ongoing training and education to stay abreast of current best practices in crisis response and management.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Salary Expectations
A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator earns an average salary of $68,000 (USD) per year.
This salary can vary depending on experience, education, geographical location, and the specific requirements of the role.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator Job Description FAQs
What qualifications are necessary for a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator?
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.
Extensive experience in crisis intervention, trauma counseling, or an emergency service environment is also important.
Some positions may require professional certifications or licensures in mental health counseling.
What skills are important for a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator?
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinators need excellent communication skills to effectively provide support in high-stress situations.
They should also have strong problem-solving skills, be able to work well under pressure, and have a deep understanding of psychological trauma and recovery processes.
What are typical duties of a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator?
Typically, they are responsible for coordinating and implementing critical incident stress management services, providing psychological first aid, and assessing the needs of individuals and groups after a critical incident.
They may also be involved in training others in critical incident stress management techniques and liaising with other professionals such as psychologists and healthcare providers.
What makes a good Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator?
A good Coordinator is emotionally resilient, able to handle stressful situations with calm and professionalism.
They are empathetic, skilled in active listening and able to provide comfort and support to those in distress.
They should also be organized and proactive in their work, able to coordinate multiple services and resources effectively.
What should you look for in a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator’s resume?
Look for a strong educational background in psychology or counseling and experience in crisis intervention or trauma counseling.
Certifications or licensures in mental health services are also a plus.
Evidence of strong communication and coordination skills, as well as experience working in high-stress, fast-paced environments, will indicate a strong candidate.
Conclusion
And that’s the story.
Today, we’ve taken a closer look at the true essence of a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about handling crises.
It’s about orchestrating a path to recovery, one step at a time.
Armed with our definitive Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.
But why end the journey here?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precision-targeted listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every step in a crisis response is a part of a larger healing journey.
Let’s pave the way to recovery. Together.
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