Training Specialist - Crisis Counseling Program

CRISIS SERVICES•Buffalo, NY

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Crisis Services is seeking a Training Specialist to join our Crisis Counseling Program Department’s 24-hour hotline team. We are looking for professionals with degrees in Social Work, Mental Health, Education, Health Promotion, or related Human Service fields who are passionate about our mission. Crisis Services is a 24-hour comprehensive crisis center and community resource dedicated to saving lives through intervention, education, prevention, and community collaboration. The Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) offers 24/7/365 support for suicide prevention and mental health crisis response via phone and chat, including lethality assessment, supportive counseling, and referrals. The Training Specialist will be responsible for delivering the Crisis Services Hotline Training for staff, volunteers, and interns, serving as the lead facilitator for AAS and 988 Lifeline Certified Suicide Prevention Certification Training Curriculum. This role also involves evaluating and revising training materials, assisting with recruitment for CCP Volunteer and Intern Programs, and identifying training needs for hotline counselors. This position includes scheduled on-call responsibilities outside of the regular work week to provide coverage for the CCP Department’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Mental Health, Education, Health Promotion, or related Human Service field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum two (2) years of experience in mental health services and substance abuse/addictions preferred.
Experience with crisis situations and quickly establishing rapport with clients helpful.
Demonstrated ability and experience working with diverse populations.
Experience with suicidology, substance abuse and the addictions field.
Strong knowledge of mental health dynamics and effects, public awareness, and crisis intervention services as well a strong knowledge of addiction, chemical dependency and dual diagnosis.
Proven skills and knowledge of principles and methods for training and curriculum design; teaching and instruction for individuals and groups.
Professional verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Able to maintain accurate records.
Flexibility, and experience in working on multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.
Able to set goals and create timelines for implementation.
A high level of compassion, empathy, confidentiality and understanding for clients.
Ability to work independently, and as part of a team to accomplish goals.
Knowledge of HIPAA laws/regulations with regard to protected health information; code of ethics, confidentiality and privacy principles.
Strong data analysis and reporting skills and experience.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and develop effective interpersonal relationships with team members, clients, and staff.
Judgment, empathy, and ethical values and abilities that align with Crisis Services’ goals and values.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with people from all cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, professional backgrounds and the intersections of all identities.
Commitment to support overall Agency mission, vision, policies, goals, and objectives.
Commitment to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their department and throughout the organization.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two (2) years of experience in mental health services and substance abuse/addictions preferred.
Experience with crisis situations and quickly establishing rapport with clients helpful.

Responsibilities

Delivering the Crisis Services Hotline Training for staff, volunteers and interns of the CCP Department.
Providing daily on-site hotline training.
Serving as the lead facilitator of AAS and 988 Lifeline Certified Suicide Prevention Certification Training Curriculum for Crisis Services.
Ongoing evaluation and revision of training materials.
Assistance with recruiting for CCP Volunteer and Intern Programs.
Identifying development and training needs for all Crisis Hotline counselors.
Scheduled on-call responsibilities outside of the regularly scheduled work week to provide coverage for the CCP Department’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline.

Benefits

Competitive pay including 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 Calm app subscription for all employees and their family members
Quiet Room, Exercise Room and Lactation Room onsite
Great health insurance coverage w/generous employer premium contribution
$300/year Flexible Spending Account provided by agency
Access to dental, vision and other ancillary insurance coverage options
403(b) plan w/employer match after one year of service
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program