Critical Intervention Specialist

CBEM brings lasting, positive changes to the individuals with developmental disabilities we serve, some of whom experience mental illness. Our process begins with observations from which we design a comprehensive plan. It continues on as we teach our clients and their circle of support how to obtain positive, sustainable outcomes.

Position: Critical Intervention Specialist 

Location: Antelope Valley, CA (and surrounding cities including Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita)

Reports to: Program Director

Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt

Required Education: Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Sociology, or other related Psychological fields

Salary: $67,704 + opportunities for quarterly bonuses 

Who We Are: Leaders in Innovative Crisis Services

CBEM provides holistic support and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring physical and mental health disorders.  We get to know our clients first, then design a comprehensive plan to address both immediate and long term needs. Our holistic approach supports both the individuals we service and their circle of support to maintain stability. CBEM provides acute and chronic crisis support, training and skill development, family and caregiver support, and Regional Center integration. 

Come check-us out here!

Why Join Us: 

As a CBEM Employee, you will have an opportunity to be a leader in innovative crisis services. CBEM offers the following benefits: 

• Positive learning environment
• 12 paid holidays a year
• 4 Wellness Days
• Paid vacation & sick time
• Hybrid work opportunities with flexible schedules
• Language differential stipend
• Mileage & travel reimbursements
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance (Medical benefits are active upon your start date)
• Health & Wellness Reimbursement 
• Home internet stipend
• Company laptop and phone
• Group Supervision from a PsyD, PhD, and or LMFT/LCSW
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

Who You Are: 

• Must hold a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Sociology, or other related Psychological fields.
• Experience in the human services field required. 
• Must have a California Driver’s license in good standing and insurance. 
• Preferred experience with the Developmentally Disabled population is a bonus!
• Applicants who are proficient in Spanish are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.
• Given the requirements of the crisis response time, applicants must live in close proximity to or in the Antelope Valley catchment area of the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (cities include, but not limited to Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita)

Summary: 

A Critical Intervention Specialist (CIS) provides acute crisis response as well as case management to prevent crises from occurring. The Critical Intervention Specialist is responsible for offering the individual client, family of client and circle of support necessary training and support at the initial stages of a referral, as well as during a critical situation. The CIS empowers the clients, their families, and care providers to prevent the use of restrictive services and to maintain their current residential placement when possible. The CIS will develop a thorough understanding of the Regional Center’s system of care and work collaboratively with the designated Regional Center’s liaison in order to provide the highest quality Critical Intervention Services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following areas:

Caseload Management:

• Case management in the field (clients’ homes, offices, hospitals, Regional Centers, day program and residential facilities). Meet with the client's family/primary caregiver (typically in their home environment) and meet weekly with clients. Conduct Client Intake.  
• Review Client Record and provide analysis.
• Develop Case Reviews and create Stabilization Plans for clients.
• Provide case conferencing as needed with CIS and Administrative Team members.
• Attend and participate in clinical meetings with community resources (such as Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Physicians, Therapists, etc.).
• Provide training to group home or adult residential staff, circle of support, care-providers and family members on behavioral techniques aimed at preventing and stabilizing behavioral challenges while maintaining the individual at their home. 
• Implement positive programming strategies and engage in crisis assault training. 
• Present a high degree of professionalism and the ability to work effectively and in a collaborative manner with clients, professional agencies, other CIS and Administrative Team members.
• Maintain consistent communication with Supervisor, residential staff, day program staff, care providers, family members and other members of the client’s circle of support.

Team Participation:

• Actively participate in weekly CBEM team meetings and team builders.
• Actively participate as a member of the team, working collaboratively with and supporting other staff.

Documentation:

Maintain case notes, progress reports, etc., in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

• Maintain professional written documentation that is submitted in a timely manner.  This objective documentation includes: case notes, case reviews, stabilization plans, face sheets and weekly updates. Documentation needs may change based on client and/or contractual guidelines. 
• Follow and comply with all documentation guidelines reviewed during CBEM’s new hire training program.

Hotline Responsibilities

• Rotate on-call responsibilities with other team members as scheduled by Supervisor.
• Respond on-site to a critical incident when necessary within a 1-hour time frame.
• Follow and comply with all hotline guidelines as reviewed during CBEM’s new hire training.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Communicate   CBEM’s critical intervention philosophy of positive behavioral practice, compassion, and respect.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement by providing ongoing information to the Service Coordinator at the Regional Center.
• Attend all meetings on behalf of the client unless otherwise arranged with your Supervisor.
• Attend workshops, training, and in-services provided by CBEM or by an outside agency, if asked by CBEM to do so. 
• Attend Regional Center drop-in clinic hours as directed by your Supervisor.
• Support CBEM values of excellence, service, integrity and inclusivity.
• All other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Requirements

MUST have: 

• Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in psychology, counseling, social work, special education, behavioral science or related field. One year of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities with challenging behaviors is strongly preferred.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and proof of sufficient car insurance with your own reliable means of transportation. This means your vehicle must be with you at all times.
• Clearance of DOJ/FBI records (complete before hire)
• Proof of Negative Tuberculosis Screening (upon hire)

Complete Mandatory Training Requirements

• CPR/First Aid Certifications (complete during employment) 
• Maintain CPR/First Aid Certifications
• Safety Training Certification (complete during employment) 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Competencies:

Communication 

Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills. Keeps others adequately informed and chooses appropriate methods of communication.  Communicates in a respectful and professional manner with internal and external colleagues, clients, etc. Uses reason when dealing with emotional topics. Regularly communicates with Supervisor, Regional Centers contacts, clients, care providers, and the circle of support members during the life cycle of the client's case.

Team work

Actively participates to move the team toward the successful completion of goals.  Actively participates in team meetings and team builders. Puts success of the team above own interest. 

Productivity

Completes most work within documented deadlines. Prioritizes schedule and manages competing demands which results in increased efficiency of completing essential duties of position. Strives to increase clinical skills and professional development.

Adaptability 

Adapts to changes in the work environment. Accepts constructive feedback and implements  suggestions.

Problem Solving Skills

Ability to resolve issues, ask questions, and be proactive in responding to issues.  Exhibit sound and accurate judgment. Includes appropriate people in making decisions. Chooses appropriate actions.

Behavioral and Psychological Skills

Ability to utilize least restrictive measures in avoiding escalated situations. Ability to use verbal interventions that involve use of empathy, compassion, positive behavioral programming, respect, openness, client-centered approach, as well as those best practice interventions outlined in least restrictive verbal intervention protocol. Ability to utilize positive reinforcement for shaping behavior. Ability to analyze and distinguish between individual versus systemic issues. Ability to engage and practice active listening.

Ability to calm critical situations involving both individuals and groups. Ability to utilize strong crisis communication skills and develop a therapeutic alliance.  Ability to meet time sensitive deadlines as well as weekly billable hour expectations, ability to utilize email and text messaging to communicate with CIS and Administrative team, as well as circle of support.  Ability to use applied behavioral analysis principles and working knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis. Working knowledge of DSM V diagnoses.

Writing Skills

Ability to  produce daily  notes  on  specific  cases,  specific  clients  served  as  well  as  specific interventions  provided  during  the  course  of  work. Ability  to  produce  reports  with  behavioral recommendations via a behavioral assessment.   Ability to produce reports that update the case status. Ability to write in English and produce written material with appropriate grammar.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical periodicals and governmental regulations.  Ability to effectively and creatively present information and respond to questions from service providers, clients, parents, regional center representatives and the general public. Ability to effectively counsel clients in critical situations/incidents.

Other Skills

Ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and demonstrate efficient  use  of time.   Ability to portray a  professional, polished appearance and manner.  Ability to be self-motivated, work independently and take initiative with cases to ensure quality of service. Knowledgeable on the theory and practice of positive behavioral programming.

Technology Skills

Experience and training in communicating professionally via phone, text message, and email. Knowledge of and ability to use an iPhone, a Mac computer, Google Applications, and an EHR Database is preferred. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand and drive.  The employee is also required to use their hands and reach with their arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be required to intervene in physically demanding behavioral interventions with physically aggressive clients in environments with unpredictable circumstances.

Additional Information

CBEM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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