Crisis Intervention Specialist

Position:
Crisis Intervention Specialist

Location:

Cortelyou Rd Supportive Housing Program

Hours:

Full Time - 35 hours per week (including up to 8 pm twice a week and rotating weekends)
Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000

Reports to:

Assistant Program Director

Founded in 1866, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) empowers children and families to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and foster self‑sufficiency in adults. With programs in 40 locations, BCS serves more than 20,000 individuals a year.

1921 Cortelyou is a 46‑unit supportive housing program located in Flatbush Brooklyn. The program specifically services young adults 18‑25 years old with serious and persistent mental illness who have a chronic history of being unhoused. Most of the young adults living at 1921 Cortelyou are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Program offers a safe and affirming living environment and supportive services to help our young adults move toward long‑term stability.

This program is under the NY/NY 15 population C agreement and funding is provided through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The crisis intervention specialist will respond to situations where stress, depression, or other mental health issues may create a personal crisis, including but not limited to suicidal thoughts, emotional trauma, serious mental illness, anxiety, and housing crisis. The specialist models best practices of hospitality and promotes a positive culture, working enthusiastically as part of a team.

• Conduct routine behavioral risk assessments and safety plans
• De‑escalate high‑risk behaviors that may create an unsafe environment for a client or others
• Provide guidance to clients in dealing with housing‑related issues
• Recommend appropriate person‑centered intervention strategies
• Provide routine follow‑up
• Offer supportive counseling and motivational interviewing on a short‑term basis
• Provide crisis management support as needed
• Facilitate one‑on‑one sessions and group sessions
• Participate in clinical team meetings
• Make referrals for clients and linkages
• Complete psychosocial assessments for applications
• Create wellness self‑management service plans
• Serve as an advocate and liaison for individuals in crisis
• Complete documentation in a timely manner in the Apricot database
• Participate in emergency on‑call rotation with Program Director and Assistant Program Director
• Follow up on hospital admissions and discharges
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required by Assistant Program Director
• Other tasks as may be required

• Master's degree in counseling, psychology, public administration, or mental health (MSW/LMSW preferred)
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness and substance abuse, preferably with homeless adults and at‑risk populations; experience with the LGBTQIA+ community strongly preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills with great attention to detail
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to maintain client and staff confidentiality
• Comfortable providing services in BCS office and tenants’ apartments
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Gmail, etc.)
• Ability to work until 8 pm, twice a week and rotating weekends
• Previous work experience in a social‑service agency or non‑profit organization
• Interest in working with underserved populations
• Familiarity with electronic data record systems
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Must undergo pre‑employment screenings such as a criminal background check required by OMH

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.