Crisis Intervention Specialist I (#MDMI01)
$46,714.00 Yearly Min / $58,393.00 Yearly Mid / $70,072.00 Yearly Max

Crisis Intervention Specialist II (#MDMI02)
$56,286.00 Yearly Min / $70,358.00 Yearly Mid / $84,430.00 Yearly Max

Crisis Intervention Specialist Lead (#MDMI03)
$59,894.00 Yearly Min / $74,867.00 Yearly Mid / $89,840.00 Yearly Max

Crisis Intervention Manager (#MDMI04)
$67,818.00 Yearly Min / $84,773.00 Yearly Mid / $101,728.00 Yearly Max

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Description of Occupational Work

Crisis Intervention Specialists provide acute crisis intervention services to individuals with behavioral health disorders or others who may be experiencing a psychiatric or situational crisis in various settings such as community crisis response. A significant aspect of work is providing rapid behavioral health assessments of clients and families who are dealing with complex and critical situations, and maintaining the safety of the individuals served, crisis staff, and the community while stabilizing the crisis.

Work is characterized by engaging with individuals in crisis and their collaterals, quickly assessing risk to self, others, and the community, often in unpredictable and unsafe environments. Employees participate as members of a crisis response team, delivering direct crisis intervention services including initiating care for those in crisis and determining appropriate clinical response. Work includes interacting regularly with clients, families, other state and private community service organizations, providers, case workers, schools, courts, and/or law enforcement to provide guidance, consultation, and education on crisis interventions, client/family needs, challenges, and available resources. A significant aspect of work includes making recommendations and referrals to community behavioral health providers and available community resources to ensure a continuum of care and positive outcomes after the initial crisis is stabilized. Work is performed in compliance with agency, state, and federal, laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.

Note: Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency’s/department's operational needs and distribution of work. The career ladder incorporates levels I and II; therefore, all positions allocated into the Crisis Intervention Specialist career ladder are classified at the II level (the highest level in the career ladder). The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. To implement the career ladder, current employees are assigned to the level for which they meet job requirements and promotional standards. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with promotional standards for those levels assigned to an agency. The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, set forth the criteria that identify, measure, and verify successful performance at each level.

The Crisis Intervention Specialist Lead and Crisis Intervention Manager although not part of the career ladder, provide competitive opportunities for movement of employees.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

This class works rotating shifts (days, evenings, and overnights), weekends, and holidays to meet the operational needs of the program. These positions are designated as Essential Personnel and are required to report to work regardless of weather or State of Emergency.

Delivers acute crisis intervention services, reviewing each case to initiate care and determine the appropriate clinical response, in compliance with agency, state, and federal, laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.

Participates as a member of a crisis team answering crisis hot-line calls, performing on-site assessments for walk-ins, and providing mobile crisis response in the community which includes unknown and unpredictable situations; interacts with local law enforcement or other related agencies.

Conducts rapid mental health screening and evaluations of patients, clients, family members, and/or any other individuals experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis.

Uses de-escalation techniques and takes appropriate action/intervention while maintaining the safety of individuals served, crisis staff, and the community.

Provides guidance, consultation, and education on crisis interventions, client/family needs and challenges, available resources, and other related matters; and promotes positive interactions among family members.

Makes recommendations to ensure a continuum of care after the initial crisis is stabilized, provides follow-up support and monitoring, and completes referrals to mental health and/or substance use treatment facilities or other services.

Advocates for clients and families in the protection of rights; obtains consent for treatment, Releases of Information, and other necessary forms.

Completes continuing education to remain current on crisis intervention and response methods, techniques, and best practices. This includes becoming a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener (DE-CMHS) and completing the necessary continuing education to maintain this credential.

Prepares and submits summaries and reports that clearly and accurately document each case, resulting action/intervention, and other relevant information in compliance with state and federal requirements.

Uses automated information systems and computer software to research, review, analyze, document, and report on health/human services information.

May participate in community projects and community outreach including providing mental health support during and following a community or statewide disaster.

Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.

Performs other related duties as required.

Levels of Work

Crisis Intervention Specialist I
This is experienced level professional crisis intervention work delivering acute crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing a psychiatric or situational crisis. Employees answer crisis hot-line calls, perform on-site assessments for walk-ins, and provide mobile crisis response in the community, often in unpredictable and unsafe environments. Work includes performing the Essential Functions under the direct oversight of a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener (DE-CMHS).

Receives general supervision from a clinical supervisor; the supervisor provides general direction on all assignments, and regular review of progress, accuracy, and quality of work. Supervisory advice or assistance is provided as needed.
Performs crisis intervention work under the direct oversight of a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener.
Provides guidance, consultation, and education on routine and less complex crisis interventions, client/family needs and challenges, available resources, and other related matters.
Interprets, explains, and ensures compliance with specific laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures applicable to assigned crisis intervention settings.
Participates as a member of a crisis response team on more complex crisis interventions such as providing mobile crisis response to individuals in the community.
May lead paraprofessional, administrative support, casual/seasonal, or contractual staff by assigning, monitoring, and reviewing work and providing on-the-job training, guidance, and direction.
Communicates effectively with clients, families, other state and private community service organizations, providers, case workers, schools, courts, and/or law enforcement to gather, evaluate, and provide information.

Crisis Intervention Specialist II

This is advanced level professional crisis intervention work delivering acute crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing a psychiatric or situational crisis. Employees answer crisis hot-line calls, perform on-site assessments for walk-ins, and provide mobile crisis response in the community, often in unpredictable and unsafe environments. In addition to work described at the Crisis Intervention Specialist I level, employees independently perform crisis interventions as a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener (DE-CMHS) with minimal supervision. Work includes providing guidance, consultation, and education on complex crisis intervention matters. This requires skills in de-escalation, psychoeducation, clear and concise communication, socio-cultural awareness, and empathy.

Receives minimal supervision from a clinical supervisor; the supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations.
Conducts mental health screenings independently and assists in supporting the work of non-credentialed staff by providing guidance, direction, and answering questions.
Provides guidance, consultation, and education on crisis interventions, client/family needs and challenges, available resources, and other complex crisis interventions that may involve substantial impact on a client’s well-being, multiple laws, rules, and regulations, and a range of possible solutions that contribute to complexity such as evaluating for and recommending 24-Hour Detentions, Duty to Warn, and mandatory reporting of abuse of vulnerable populations.
Recommends changes to policies, procedures, or other processes to ensure compliance, and effectiveness, and minimize risk to individuals served, the crisis staff, and the safety of the community.
May lead a crisis response team on more complex crisis interventions such as providing mobile crisis response to individuals in the community.
Communicates effectively with clients, families, other state and private community service organizations, providers, case workers, schools, courts, and/or law enforcement to provide guidance, consultation, and recommendations.

Crisis Intervention Specialist Lead

This level leads and delivers acute crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing a psychiatric or situational crisis. In addition to work described at the Crisis Intervention Specialist II level, employees lead and oversee Crisis Intervention staff answering crisis hot-line calls, performing on-site assessments of walk-ins, and mobile crisis response provided in the community. Primary duties include researching and resolving escalated cases/issues requiring subject matter expertise in crisis intervention, while also performing work as a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener (DE-CMHS).

Receives minimal supervision from a clinical supervisor; the supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations.
Acts as shift lead to a team of Crisis Intervention staff (both DE-CMHS credentialed and non-credentialed staff) and ensures effective service delivery by assigning, monitoring, and reviewing work and providing on-the-job training, guidance, and direction.
Serves as a subject matter expert to management, peers, state and private agencies, and others; provides technical guidance, consultation, and education on the most complex crisis-related matters, which may include sensitive and explosive situations, cases that may have not been encountered before, and considering past decisions, professional mandates, and best practices.
Makes decisions on complex or unusual challenges (highest level of non-managerial expertise); and only escalates or advises management when necessary.
Ensures crisis intervention work is compliant with professional mandates, best practices, and applicable agency, state or federal laws, rules, and regulations; ensures staff are up to date on related changes.
Leads mobile crisis teams on the most complex crisis interventions and special projects; and may participate and provide information to committees, boards, commissions, and/or task forces.
Assists in managing statewide crisis intervention programs and services by providing analysis, reports, input, and recommendations.
Communicates effectively with management, agency leadership, state, federal, or other agencies; boards, commissions, or administrative bodies to provide expert guidance, consultation, and information, resolve escalated issues, and ensure quality control.

Crisis Intervention Manager

This level manages statewide crisis intervention operations, programs, and services. Work is distinguished from previous levels by managing and making decisions on crisis interventions with significant input at the program and strategic policy level. Employees manage work as a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener (DE-CMHS) and ensure proper training, development, and credentialling of staff. Work also includes regularly participating in and providing information to special committees, boards, commissions, and/or task forces.

Receives general direction and guidance from an administrative supervisor or higher in terms of broad goals and objectives; employee establishes the methods for achieving goals and objectives and manages daily operations.
Manages statewide crisis intervention operations, programs, and services which includes developing, implementing, supervising, evaluating, and overseeing daily crisis response and interventions, and ensuring goals and objectives are met.
Supervises two or more merit full time positions. The elements of supervision include performing the following on a regular and continuing basis: planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, disciplining, and recommending hire, termination, and promotion.
Reviews data and performance to identify needs and implements changes that improve compliance, effectiveness, and risk to individuals served, the crisis staff, and the safety of the community.
Participates in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, operations, policies, and procedures.
Analyzes new or revised state and federal laws, rules, and regulations and determines impact on crisis intervention operations, programs, and services.
Communicates effectively with management, agency leadership, state, federal, or other agencies; boards, commissions, or administrative bodies to make decisions on complex challenges, provide policy direction, and ensure all program and service needs and objectives are met.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The listed knowledge, skills, and abilities give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the needs of every position in the class.

Note: Employees are not required to be proficient in the KSAs listed in this section at entry, but within six months to one year of performing work as described in each level of work.

Knowledge of the theories, principles and best practices of behavioral health assessment and treatment of children, adults, and adolescents.
Knowledge of casework and de-escalation techniques.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of crisis intervention and determining the appropriate clinical response.
Knowledge of the social, economic, and psychological implications and behavioral impact of developmental, mental, and emotional disorders on individuals and families.
Skill in assessing availability, role, and functions of human service and community resources.
Skill in making recommendations for recovery services to best meet individual and community needs.
Skill in interviewing and engaging with clients to obtain and evaluate information.
Skill in using computer software and automated information systems to enter, update, retrieve, and report on data in compliance with federal or state reporting requirements.
Skill in effective communication both orally and in writing.
Ability to assess and evaluate clinical situations that may pose danger to the client, family members, and the community.
Ability to prepare and maintain appropriate clinical documentation in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Ability to deal constructively with aggression, hostility, and reluctance to engage.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Crisis Intervention Specialist II requires:

Knowledge of emerging trends and best practices in crisis intervention.
Skill in conducting behavioral health assessments and determining the appropriate clinical response.
Skill in applying advanced crisis intervention methods and techniques with individuals in acute distress.
Skill in casework and de-escalation techniques.
Skill in providing guidance, consultation, and education on crisis interventions, client/family needs and challenges, available resources, and other complex crisis interventions.
Skill in ensuring compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
Ability to handle issues and concerns tactfully and thoroughly.
Ability to provide on-the job training, guidance, and direction to staff.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Crisis Intervention Specialist Lead requires:

Knowledge of policy and procedure development.
Skill in providing acute crisis intervention requiring expertise in evidence-based behavioral health assessment and treatment of children, adults, and adolescents.
Skill in analyzing and resolving the most complex needs and challenges by applying various methodologies and consulting with other clinical staff.
Skill in leading and guiding crisis intervention staff in conducting assessments and determining appropriate clinical response.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive clinical reports.
Ability to set shift priorities, and performance standards, and monitor outcomes.
Ability to make critical decisions on complex and unusual cases.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Crisis Intervention Manager requires:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of behavioral health program management.
Knowledge of developing short- and long-range strategic plans.
Skill in resolving the most complex crisis cases.
Skill in supervising staff and ensuring coverage of a crisis intervention team.
Skill in anticipating and resolving challenges and risks and improving crisis intervention outcomes.
Ability to assess the professional development needs of staff and provide opportunities to maximize their skills.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Crisis Intervention Specialist II

Applicants must have education, training, and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

Possession of a Bachelors’ degree or higher in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
Credentialed Mental Health Screener (CMHS) through the State of Delaware or CMHS eligible.
Three years’ experience in case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual’s human service needs using effective counseling or interviewing techniques as well as other available resources such as service plans or case management systems.
Two years’ experience in providing crisis intervention services, clinical treatment, counseling, or determining eligibility for services or benefits as part of a treatment team.


CLASS: MDMI01	EST: 12/1/2024	REV:

CLASS: MDMI02	EST: 12/1/2024	REV:

CLASS: MDMI03	EST: 12/1/2024	REV:

CLASS: MDMI04	EST: 12/1/2024	REV: