Training Specialist - Crisis Counseling Program

CRISIS SERVICES•Buffalo, NY

1d•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Crisis Services is seeking a Training Specialist for its Crisis Counseling Program (CCP), which provides 24/7/365 suicide prevention and mental health crisis response by phone and chat. Services include lethality assessment, supportive counseling, and information and referrals for people contacting the Crisis Services hotline or 988 Lifeline. The Training Specialist delivers hotline training to CCP staff, volunteers, and interns; provides daily on-site training; and leads Crisis Services’ AAS and 988 Lifeline Certified Suicide Prevention Certification Training Curriculum. The role also evaluates and revises training materials, assists with volunteer and intern recruitment, and identifies training and development needs for hotline counselors. This is an onsite, full-time position at Crisis Services in Buffalo, New York. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with late-afternoon to early-evening hours to be determined. Evening and/or weekend hours may be needed for training cohorts and community outreach and education events. The position has scheduled on-call responsibilities outside the regular work week to provide coverage for the 24/7 crisis hotline. Travel is negligible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Mental Health, Education, Health Promotion, or a related Human Service field, or equivalent experience.
Professional verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of training and curriculum design principles and methods, and teaching and instruction for individuals and groups.
Strong knowledge of mental health dynamics and effects, public awareness, crisis intervention services, addiction, chemical dependency, and dual diagnosis.
Knowledge of HIPAA laws and regulations concerning protected health information, codes of ethics, and confidentiality and privacy principles.
Strong data analysis and reporting skills and experience.
Ability to work with diverse populations and interact effectively and professionally with people across cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, and professional backgrounds.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, set goals, and create implementation timelines.
Compassion, empathy, confidentiality, and understanding for clients.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills with team members, clients, and staff.
Judgment, empathy, and ethical values aligned with Crisis Services’ goals and values.
Commitment to support the agency’s mission, vision, policies, goals, and objectives, and to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to fulfill scheduled on-call responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in mental health services and substance abuse/addictions is preferred.
Experience with crisis situations and quickly establishing rapport with clients is helpful.
Experience with suicidology, substance abuse, and the addictions field.

Responsibilities

Deliver Crisis Services Hotline Training to CCP staff, volunteers, and interns.
Provide daily, on-site hotline training.
Serve as lead facilitator of the AAS and 988 Lifeline Certified Suicide Prevention Certification Training Curriculum for Crisis Services.
Evaluate and revise training materials on an ongoing basis.
Assist with recruiting for CCP volunteer and intern programs.
Identify development and training needs for Crisis Hotline counselors.
Take scheduled on-call shifts outside the regularly scheduled work week to provide coverage for the CCP Department’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline.
Participate in training cohorts and community outreach and education events as needed.

Benefits

Competitive pay with regular annual increases
Paid training and professional development opportunities
CWA Local 1122 union membership
Generous paid time off and paid meal breaks
Employee self-care and wellness supports, including a Calm app subscription for employees and their family members
Onsite Quiet Room, Exercise Room, and Lactation Room
Health insurance with a generous employer premium contribution
$300 per year Flexible Spending Account provided by the agency
Access to dental, vision, and other ancillary insurance coverage options
403(b) plan with employer match after one year of service
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program