Crisis Specialist Jobs
Crisis Specialist jobs are open across healthcare systems, community mental health organizations, emergency services, and government agencies, from entry-level to senior clinical roles, with specializations in mobile crisis response, psychiatric emergency services, and substance use intervention. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 74+ Crisis Specialist jobs
Sign-On Bonus: $4000
Retention Bonus: $1000
Summary/objective
Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in coordinating care and providing support to children and youth experiencing crises. This position is responsible for conducting outreach and follow-up to children and families who have engaged with crisis services, with a particular focus on those who decline or disengage. The role includes delivering evidence-based Caring Contacts, reconnecting former clients, coordinating care, and fostering engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. The ideal candidate will have experience working in crisis management, case management, or child/youth services, and will be adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive support to at-risk youth in Delaware.
Essential functions:
Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
- Implement the Caring Contacts protocol through phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication, based on an evidence-based model designed to reduce suicide risk.
- Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post-treatment.
Client Engagement and Follow-Up
- Conduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation and offer support.
- Maintain contact with former clients and families to assess ongoing needs and provide appropriate referrals or follow-up.
- Serve as a point of contact for post-discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and supporting client wellness.
System Engagement and Resource Coordination
- Collaborate with internal and external service providers to support client care plan, ensuring that all immediate and ongoing needs are addressed including appropriate follow-up and referrals for services.
- Coordinate services and follow-up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange.
- Assist in scheduling follow-up appointments or connecting families with ongoing mental health support.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and act as a liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that all services are integrated and coordinated effectively.
- Advocate for the needs of youth and families within the program and with external agencies, ensuring that services are delivered in a culturally competent and client-centered manner.
- Identify community resources and support services for youth and families, ensuring that they are connected with appropriate services such as mental health counseling, housing, educational support, etc.
- Help youth and families navigate systems, including insurance, legal, educational, and other social services, to ensure holistic support.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all client interactions and collateral follow-ups in accordance with program policies and state regulations.
- Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, including documentation of progress, barriers, and recommendations for further intervention or resources.
Competencies/ Capabilities:
- Crisis Management: Ability to effectively assess and manage urgent, high-stress situations while providing emotional support and practical solutions.
- Collaboration: Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Problem Solving: Capacity to think critically and find solutions quickly in complex, time-sensitive situations.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex information.
- Empathy and Compassion: A compassionate approach to working with children and families in crisis, with an understanding of trauma and mental health issues.
- Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting the diversity of youth and families served, and providing services in a culturally sensitive manner.
Supervisory responsibilities: none
Work environment: Office based, Partial telecommuting with approval, Wilmington, DE
Physical demands:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically
Travel required: schools, client homes, community agencies, etc.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
- Two years of experience in case management, preferably in healthcare, mental health services, or crisis intervention programs.
- Familiarity with Delaware’s behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families.
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a related field
- Experience working in a 24/7 crisis response program
- Bilingual (Spanish-English) language skills are a plus
EEO:
Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About Delaware Guidance Services
DGS is the largest non-profit provider of outpatient behavioral health services for children and families in Delaware, and the only statewide organization of its kind continuously accredited by The Joint Commission since 1999. Our vision for Delaware—resilient families nurturing children’s well‑being—flows from our mission to provide high‑quality, trauma‑informed therapeutic services that strengthen social, emotional, and behavioral wellness.
Each year, DGS serves an average of 3,500 children and youth through a clinically excellent continuum of care that includes outpatient therapy, community‑based services, school‑based supports, mobile crisis response, and short‑term youth crisis stabilization. Our clinical lines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, ensuring that children and families have access to timely, flexible, and culturally responsive care wherever it is needed—at home, in school, in the community, or at one of our five office locations across Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford.
If you want to learn more about Delaware Guidance Services, please go to https://www.delawareguidance.org/about/ ;
Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?
- Competitive Compensation
- Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
- Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
- Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
- Free Professional Development Opportunities
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sign-On Bonus: $4000
Retention Bonus: $1000
Summary/objective
Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in coordinating care and providing support to children and youth experiencing crises. This position is responsible for conducting outreach and follow-up to children and families who have engaged with crisis services, with a particular focus on those who decline or disengage. The role includes delivering evidence-based Caring Contacts, reconnecting former clients, coordinating care, and fostering engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. The ideal candidate will have experience working in crisis management, case management, or child/youth services, and will be adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive support to at-risk youth in Delaware.
Essential functions:
Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
- Implement the Caring Contacts protocol through phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication, based on an evidence-based model designed to reduce suicide risk.
- Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post-treatment.
Client Engagement and Follow-Up
- Conduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation and offer support.
- Maintain contact with former clients and families to assess ongoing needs and provide appropriate referrals or follow-up.
- Serve as a point of contact for post-discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and supporting client wellness.
System Engagement and Resource Coordination
- Collaborate with internal and external service providers to support client care plan, ensuring that all immediate and ongoing needs are addressed including appropriate follow-up and referrals for services.
- Coordinate services and follow-up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange.
- Assist in scheduling follow-up appointments or connecting families with ongoing mental health support.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and act as a liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that all services are integrated and coordinated effectively.
- Advocate for the needs of youth and families within the program and with external agencies, ensuring that services are delivered in a culturally competent and client-centered manner.
- Identify community resources and support services for youth and families, ensuring that they are connected with appropriate services such as mental health counseling, housing, educational support, etc.
- Help youth and families navigate systems, including insurance, legal, educational, and other social services, to ensure holistic support.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all client interactions and collateral follow-ups in accordance with program policies and state regulations.
- Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, including documentation of progress, barriers, and recommendations for further intervention or resources.
Competencies/ Capabilities:
- Crisis Management: Ability to effectively assess and manage urgent, high-stress situations while providing emotional support and practical solutions.
- Collaboration: Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Problem Solving: Capacity to think critically and find solutions quickly in complex, time-sensitive situations.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex information.
- Empathy and Compassion: A compassionate approach to working with children and families in crisis, with an understanding of trauma and mental health issues.
- Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting the diversity of youth and families served, and providing services in a culturally sensitive manner.
Supervisory responsibilities: none
Work environment: Office based, Partial telecommuting with approval, Wilmington, DE
Physical demands:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically
Travel required: schools, client homes, community agencies, etc.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
- Two years of experience in case management, preferably in healthcare, mental health services, or crisis intervention programs.
- Familiarity with Delaware’s behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families.
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a related field
- Experience working in a 24/7 crisis response program
- Bilingual (Spanish-English) language skills are a plus
EEO:
Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About Delaware Guidance Services
DGS is the largest non-profit provider of outpatient behavioral health services for children and families in Delaware, and the only statewide organization of its kind continuously accredited by The Joint Commission since 1999. Our vision for Delaware—resilient families nurturing children’s well‑being—flows from our mission to provide high‑quality, trauma‑informed therapeutic services that strengthen social, emotional, and behavioral wellness.
Each year, DGS serves an average of 3,500 children and youth through a clinically excellent continuum of care that includes outpatient therapy, community‑based services, school‑based supports, mobile crisis response, and short‑term youth crisis stabilization. Our clinical lines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, ensuring that children and families have access to timely, flexible, and culturally responsive care wherever it is needed—at home, in school, in the community, or at one of our five office locations across Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford.
If you want to learn more about Delaware Guidance Services, please go to https://www.delawareguidance.org/about/ ;
Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?
- Competitive Compensation
- Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
- Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
- Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
- Free Professional Development Opportunities
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Crisis Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
See All 74 Crisis Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Crisis Specialist JobsCrisis Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in crisis specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field
- Experience conducting risk assessments and safety planning with individuals in acute distress
- Proficiency in de-escalation techniques and evidence-based crisis intervention models
- Familiarity with electronic health records and documentation standards for behavioral health
- Crisis Prevention Intervention certification such as CPI, QPR, or Mental Health First Aid
- Ability to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and on-call hours
Tips for Your Crisis Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to crisis settings
Highlight direct intervention experience, de-escalation techniques, and any crisis model training like CPI or ASIST. Generic mental health resumes get screened out fast when hiring managers are looking for candidates who've worked active crisis lines or mobile units.
List every relevant certification clearly
QPR, Mental Health First Aid, and CACREP-accredited training all carry weight with employers. Put certifications in a dedicated section near the top of your resume, not buried in a skills list, so screeners see them immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists crisis specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name the crisis model
Job listings that reference a specific framework, like the CAMS approach or Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality, signal an organization with structured clinical supervision. These roles typically offer stronger mentorship for your ongoing development as a practitioner.
Prepare scenario-based answers for interviews
Interviewers for crisis roles almost always ask behavioral questions tied to real incidents. Rehearse responses using the STAR format around situations involving imminent risk assessment, involuntary holds, or coordination with law enforcement and emergency medical services.
Negotiate schedule and caseload during the offer stage
Crisis roles often involve rotating shifts, on-call requirements, or high caseloads that differ significantly between employers. Ask directly about average call or case volume per shift before accepting an offer so you can evaluate sustainability alongside pay.
Crisis Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most crisis specialists?
The most active employers for crisis specialists right now are Nationwide Children's Hospital, DESC, and Integral Care, and the most openings are in Illinois, Texas, and Oregon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be highest in organizations that operate 24-hour crisis lines or mobile response units.
How many crisis specialist jobs are remote?
About 27% of crisis specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with phone-based and text-based crisis line roles making up the largest share of fully remote positions. Mobile crisis response and in-person psychiatric emergency roles are almost always on-site, so your preferred work setting should guide which listings you target.
How do you become a crisis specialist?
Start by completing a degree in social work, counseling, or psychology, then gain direct clinical hours through internships or entry-level roles at crisis hotlines or community mental health centers. Earning certifications in crisis intervention, such as QPR or CPI, strengthens your candidacy. Many employers also require supervised clinical hours, so confirming state licensure requirements early helps you plan your path.
Can you get hired as a crisis specialist with little experience?
Yes, some employers hire candidates with limited direct experience if they have relevant volunteer work, completed internships at crisis centers, or hold certifications like Mental Health First Aid. Entry-level roles on crisis hotlines are often the most accessible starting point. Emphasizing transferable skills like active listening, conflict resolution, and familiarity with documentation systems helps your application stand out.
What does the crisis specialist interview process look like?
Most employers conduct a phone screen followed by one or two in-person or video interviews. At least one round typically includes behavioral questions where you walk through real or hypothetical crisis scenarios, covering how you assess risk, involve collateral contacts, and document your intervention. Some organizations add a panel interview with clinical supervisors or a brief role-play exercise to evaluate your de-escalation approach.
Where can I find and apply to crisis specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to crisis specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and preferred setting, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 74 Crisis Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Crisis Specialist Jobs