Crisis Intervention
Crisis Intervention is a method of helping people during difficult situations or emergencies that could affect their safety or well-being. In disability services, it involves recognizing warning signs, calming individuals who are upset or agitated, and preventing situations from becoming worse. Staff members trained in crisis intervention know how to respond quickly and appropriately when someone is having a behavioral, emotional, or mental health emergency. This approach is similar to emergency response or de-escalation techniques, but specifically focused on supporting people with disabilities. Other terms that describe this work include "behavioral emergency response" or "emergency behavioral support."
Examples in Resumes
Provided Crisis Intervention support for clients experiencing behavioral emergencies
Trained staff members in Crisis Intervention and Emergency Behavioral Support techniques
Successfully implemented Crisis Intervention strategies to ensure client and staff safety
Typical job title: "Crisis Intervention Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Crisis Intervention Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement a crisis intervention training program for new staff?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss creating comprehensive training materials, hands-on practice scenarios, safety protocols, and ongoing evaluation methods. They should emphasize the importance of regular updates and refresher courses.
Q: Describe a challenging crisis situation you managed and what protocols you developed afterward.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in analyzing incident patterns, developing new safety procedures, and implementing preventive measures based on real experiences while maintaining client dignity.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you assess risk levels during a crisis situation?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for quickly evaluating safety concerns, identifying triggers, and determining appropriate intervention levels while considering both client and staff safety.
Q: What de-escalation techniques have you found most effective?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific calming strategies, communication methods, and environmental modifications that help prevent crisis situations from escalating.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic steps of crisis intervention?
Expected Answer: Should be able to outline the fundamental steps: ensuring immediate safety, assessing the situation, establishing rapport, identifying the problem, and providing support or getting additional help.
Q: How do you maintain your own calm during a crisis situation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic self-management techniques, understanding personal triggers, and following established protocols while staying professional.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic de-escalation techniques
- Understanding of safety protocols
- Communication with clients in distress
- Documentation of incidents
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced de-escalation strategies
- Risk assessment
- Training junior staff
- Developing support plans
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development
- Staff training and supervision
- Policy creation and implementation
- Complex case management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal crisis intervention training or certification
- Unable to describe specific de-escalation techniques
- Shows signs of reactive rather than proactive approach
- Lack of experience with documentation and incident reporting
- Poor understanding of safety protocols
Related Terms
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