Crisis Intervention Coordinator

This position may be aligned with our Mendota, Peru, or Princeton office, depending on the candidate's residence.

Crisis Intervention Coordinator Position Summary: 

The Crisis Intervention Coordinator provides immediate crisis intervention and stabilization services to run away, homeless, and at-risk youth and their families within a designated multi-county service area. This position is responsible for responding to youth and family crises in community settings including schools, police departments, homes, and other safe locations. The Crisis Coordinator works to ensure youth safety, reduce family conflict, strengthen family connections, and prevent or minimize involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

The Crisis Intervention Coordinator maintains a short-term crisis caseload focused on assessment, intervention, stabilization, and linkage to ongoing services. Crisis cases are intended to remain active for no longer than 30 days; cases requiring continued support are transitioned to the RHY Caseworker for long-term case management services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

I. Crisis Response & Intervention:

• Responds to daytime crisis calls throughout a five-county service area, including schools, police departments, hospitals, homes, shelters, and other community locations.
• Provides immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, conflict resolution, and stabilization services for youth and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, family, or housing crises.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments of youth safety, family dynamics, risk factors, and service needs.
• Assists with prevention of family disruption, homelessness, runaway episodes, juvenile justice involvement, and child welfare placement whenever safely possible.
• Facilitates short-term crisis counseling and supportive interventions for youth and families.
• Requires independent decision-making, strong crisis de-escalation skills, collaboration with community partners, and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

II. Case Management & Family Support:

• Maintains an active caseload of crisis-focused cases with services intended to remain short-term in nature.
• Conducts follow-up family meetings after crisis incidents to support stabilization, communication, and reunification efforts.
• Coordinates referrals and linkages to appropriate community resources, mental health providers, schools, shelters, and supportive services.
• Provides follow-up services after case closure to assess ongoing stability and resource connection.
• Transitions cases requiring long-term intervention to RHY Caseworkers and ensure continuity of care through thorough case handoff and documentation.

III. Court & Child Welfare Collaboration:

• Prepares court reports, case summaries, and supporting documentation for attorneys, judges, and other involved professionals.
• Attends court hearings and provides testimony or case updates when necessary.
• Completes mandated hotline reports to DCFS in situations involving suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or safety concerns.
• Collaborates with probation officers, law enforcement agencies, schools, DCFS representatives, and community partners to advocate for youth safety and service coordination.

IV. Foster Care & Youth Support:

• Provides ongoing support and coordination for crisis foster parents as needed during youth placements.
• Assists with transportation of youth to safe placements, appointments, schools, court hearings, or other approved locations.

V. Community Collaboration & Outreach:

• Maintains strong working relationships with police departments, schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and community organizations.
• Provides education, consultation, and updated information regarding the CCBYS (Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services) program and crisis response procedures.
• Assists with community outreach and networking efforts to increase awareness of crisis intervention services and available youth resources.

VI. Documentation & Compliance:

• Completes timely, accurate, and thorough case documentation, assessments, service notes, safety plans, and reports in accordance with agency, state, and contractual requirements.
• Maintains compliance with DHS/DCFS standards, confidentiality laws, mandated reporting requirements, and agency policies.
• Participates in staff meetings, training, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

Core Competencies:

• Understanding
• Flexible
• Sensitivity to all cultures
• Approachable
• Organized
• Self-starter
• Communication

*Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley believes that all people deserve inclusivity, fairness, and justice.  We believe that both the success of our team and the wellness of our community is strongest by recognizing the qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity and other identities.  The YSB team values and respects each other and our community as we proudly serve.