Crisis Intervention Counselor & Resource Advocate

THE CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY INC; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL, seeks a Community Intervention Specialist (CIS) to provide crisis counseling, information and resources referrals via telephone, chat and in person as needed. The CIS will perform crisis intervention, safety planning, and connect clients to follow‑up care services with sensitivity and professionalism.

They support victims of crime, including sexual assault and domestic violence, adhere to mandated reporter responsibilities, and coordinate with the

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a human service-related field OR one year counseling or crisis intervention experience in lieu of degree.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated comfort and/or experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and mental health backgrounds, with the flexibility to adapt service approaches accordingly.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Windows‑based computer systems; skill in word processing and database programs; ability to type at 50 WPM minimum.
• Complete required initial and ongoing training as needed, including Crisis Center Core Training and FCASV Advocacy Core Training within the first sixty days of employment. Complete Introduction to Trauma‑Informed Care and Psychological First Aid within twelve months of hire. Complete Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) within the first twelve months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a skilled first point of contact with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, linking community members with appropriate services and providing immediate crisis intervention as needed, and modeling a high standard of care in every interaction.
• Pursue ongoing professional development by actively engaging in required and available trainings, departmental in-services, and learning opportunities that strengthen practice.
• Participate in the performance quality improvement (PQI) process; use data to inform and improve services and outcomes; and contribute feedback on the accuracy and currency of the resource database as opportunities arise.
• Demonstrate proficiency in information and referral service delivery, with primary coverage of human services lines serving individuals, families, and communities in need as well as victims of crimes.
• Handle behavioral health and wellness calls on assigned crisis lines, including topics related to substance use, mental health responses to stress and stressors, and other areas within the scope of assigned line coverage.
• Apply de-escalation skills, active listening, and emotional support techniques during all crisis-related contacts to promote stabilization and positive coping.
• Demonstrate competency in crisis intervention, safety planning, and suicide lethality assessment; recognize and respond to crisis at any point in a contact, regardless of line specialization.
• Apply motivational interviewing techniques to support client engagement, ambivalence exploration, and movement toward positive change.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete call documentation in accordance with organizational standards to ensure data integrity and quality record-keeping.
• Demonstrate availability for off-hours assignments as required to support service area coverage, including holidays and during disasters or critical incidents.
• Uphold all applicable confidentiality standards, including HIPAA and organizational confidentiality policies, in every aspect of service delivery and documentation.
• Meet established performance expectations across quality assurance, documentation accuracy, follow‑up referral rates, referral quality, and other metrics as defined by supervisory and contracted requirements.
• Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the supervisory team.

Skills

Cooperation/Teamwork

Engaging Communication

Customer Service (Internal & External)

Adaptability

Problem Solving

Judgment

Valuing & Fostering Diversity

Self-Management

Education

Associate degree

Job description

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL, seeks a Community Intervention Specialist (CIS) to provide crisis counseling, information and resources referrals via telephone, chat and in person as needed. The CIS will perform crisis intervention, safety planning, and connect clients to follow‑up care services with sensitivity and professionalism.

They support victims of crime, including sexual assault and domestic violence, adhere to mandated reporter responsibilities, and coordinate with the