DSP Crisis Intervention Specialist

Job Title: Direct Service Professional (DSP) Crisis Intervention Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Training Coordinator

Job Summary

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and skilled Direct Service Professional (DSP) Crisis Intervention Specialist to join our team. This hybrid role combines direct, hands-on support of clients with leadership training and mentorship responsibilities, while also specializing in de-escalating crises and providing immediate, trauma-informed support as approved by the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, seasoned in Professional Crisis Management (PCM), passionate about advocacy, and committed to empowering individuals through positive behavioral support and relationship-building.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support & Mentorship

• Provide staff training as assigned by Training Coordinator.
• Provide person-centered support to individuals in daily living activities, skill-building, social integration, and goal setting.
• Model appropriate behaviors, coping strategies, prevention, de-escalation practices, and problem-solving techniques for both clients and fellow staff.
• Implement individualized support plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Mentor new DSPs, offering guidance, feedback, and support to promote best practices in care delivery and crisis intervention.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric crises with calm, confident, and supportive intervention.
• Utilize approved crisis intervention techniques as defined by client’s PIP and Professional Crisis Management (PCM) or other approved crisis management system to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
• Conduct risk assessments and create de-escalation plans in collaboration with staff.
• Provide on-call or emergency response coverage as scheduled.

Documentation & Communication

• Accurately document support activities, behavioral incidents, and crisis interventions in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with Qs, DSP IVs and Vs, peers, clients, and others as necessary.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and organizational confidentiality policies.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a role model and leader among DSP staff, promoting a culture of respect, dignity, empathy, and professionalism.
• Participate in staff training, case reviews, PCM Debriefs, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Help evaluate and improve crisis response protocols and training.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently. Use hands to handle or feel. Ability to turn on the knees, back, wrist, shoulders, and grasp with both hands. Must be able to frequently lift/move up to 50lbs. and occasionally lift and move more than 50lbs.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility and other physical needs.
• Mandatory overtime may be required.

Working Conditions

• Frequent interaction with individuals who may display challenging behaviors.
• Will require physical intervention in emergency situations (training provided).
• Flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts may be required.
• Work may take place in ICF-IID settings, community locations, or program facilities.

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Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in direct care, preferably with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or behavioral health needs.
• Certification in Professional Crisis Intervention (PCM) or other approved crisis management system certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire. Preference will be given to a certified instructor of PCM (or other certified crisis management system instructor).

Experience:

• Previous experience in a direct support or mentoring role, particularly in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, is preferred but not required.
• Proven experience in crisis intervention.

Skills:

• Able to keep calm and collected in the midst of behavioral crisis of an individual.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with individuals with disabilities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.

Certifications:

• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Professional Crisis Management certification or other crisis management system (or obtained within a specified timeframe).
• Must pass background checks and have a valid driver’s license, as transportation of individuals may be required.