Crisis Support Specialist 1st Shift

Position: Crisis Support Specialist – Full-Time (1st Shift)

Location: Urbana, IL

Job : 267

# of Openings: 1

Schedule Available: 1st Shift (6:45 PM - 3:00 PM), Tuesday-Saturday, Full-Time

On-Call Shift: Wednesdays 3:00 AM - 7:00 AM (One 4-hour on call shift per week. On-call requires you be able to arrive within 30 minutes to help cover the shift and care for children. Pay is time and a half your hourly rate if called in to work.)

The Crisis Support Specialist manages Crisis Nursery's 24/7 Crisis Line and serves as the primary point of contact for families accessing services. This position is responsible for coordinating crisis care admissions, conducting family intakes & exits, connecting families with community resources, documenting services, and ensuring effective communication between families and staff. The Crisis Support Specialist reports to the Assistant Director, Crisis & Family Support.

• Answer the 24/7 Crisis Line, schedule crisis care, and direct calls to the appropriate staff.
• Schedule admissions, prioritize families based on need, and maintain safe child-to-adult ratios.
• Greet and assist individuals entering the building while serving as the primary contact in the Program Office.
• Maintain the Program Office by keeping supplies stocked, ordering meals, coordinating laundry services, and ensuring all required documentation is complete and current.
• Assist with training new staff and interns on Program Office procedures and responsibilities.
• Conduct parent intake and exit interviews for all admissions.
• Complete family assessments and surveys, identifying needs and taking appropriate follow‑up action.
• Provide families with information about their child's stay and services received.
• Conduct follow‑up calls with families after services and refer families to the Strong Families Program as appropriate.
• Utilize trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and family‑centered practices in all interactions.
• Support families in developing and making measurable progress toward individualized goals.
• Identify family needs and connect families with appropriate community resources, including housing, food assistance, childcare, and other basic needs.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources, eligibility requirements, and referral processes.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners to strengthen referral pathways and improve family outcomes.
• Monitor referral outcomes through follow‑up communication to determine whether services were successfully accessed and whether additional support is needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, data collection, and required documentation.
• Ensure all client files and program paperwork are complete and compliant with agency standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all agency policies, mandated reporting requirements, licensing standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with Children's Specialists and volunteers to ensure quality care and effective communication during each shift.
• Help maintain a healthy, safe, and clean environment for children.
• Interact with children in accordance with Crisis Nursery's philosophy of care.
• Attend team meetings, program meetings, and all‑staff meetings.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to remain current on best practices in crisis intervention, family support, trauma‑informed care, and community resource coordination.

• 25 years of age or older preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention, case management, family support, counseling, or a related human services field preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, child development, and community resources preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

• Ability to assess situations, prioritize needs, and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and computer skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and community partners.

• Ability to bend, kneel, and move between standing and sitting throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to hear and respond to children speaking or crying.

Job Type: Full-Time / Hourly

Pay Range: $18-$21 per hour depending on experience