Crisis Intervention Specialist (SY26-27)

Boston Public Schools; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Schools seeks a Crisis Intervention Specialist to provide immediate, on-site therapeutic and behavioral stabilization for students in crisis. The role partners with school staff to de-escalate, implement plans, and help students return to instruction quickly.

This position emphasizes stabilization and coaching over long-term case management, requiring calmness under pressure, relevant licensure, and CPI/Safety-Care training; starting immediately at Central Office in Boston.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in education, psychology, or social work.
• Licensure required (e.g., DESE School Social Worker/School Counselor).
• Moderate special needs certification.
• Crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., CPI, Safety-Care).
• Ability to stay calm and responsive in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Respond rapidly to schools during active behavioral or emotional crises
• Implement de-escalation and co-regulation strategies
• Support safe environments for students and staff during high-intensity situations
• Assist in maintaining safety while minimizing the need for restraint
• Model effective crisis response strategies for school-based staff
• Participate in post-incident debriefs and planning

Skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

Counseling basics

On-site support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Licensure: DESE School Social Worker / School Counselor

Moderate special needs certification

Job description

Crisis Intervention Specialist (SY26-27)

Boston Public Schools Central Office - Superintendent's Office - Boston, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Crisis Intervention Specialist

Function: Immediate response

Position Summary:

The Crisis Intervention Specialist provides immediate,short-term, on-site therapeutic and behavioral stabilization support to students experiencing significant emotional or behavioral dysregulation.

The Specialist works alongside school staff to model effective de-escalation, support implementation of individualized plans, and assist students in safely returning to instruction whenever possible. This position focuses on stabilization, coaching, and implementation rather than long-term case management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond rapidly to schools during active behavioral or emotional crises
• Implement de-escalation and co-regulation strategies
• Support safe environments for students and staff during high-intensity situations
• Assist in maintaining safety while minimizing the need for restraint
• Model effective crisis response strategies for school-based staff
• Participate in post-incident debriefs and contribute to planning

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (education, psychology, social work, Experience working with students with significant behavioral or emotional needs
• Licensure required (e.g DESE School School Social Worker/ School Counselor)
• Moderate special needs certification
• Training in crisis prevention/intervention (e.g., CPI, Safety-Care, or similar)
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in high-stress situation

Terms: BTU Group 1

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohr (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Position Type: Central Office

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Boston Public Schools, Office of Human Resources
• 2300 Washington Street
• Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119
• Email: [e-mail]