Crisis Prevention Specialist Lead

Company: Jwch Institute
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 28, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Purpose: Under the supervision of the Program Directors, the Lead Crisis Prevention Specialist serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team, playing a critical role in participant engagement, staff development, and crisis prevention. This position acts as a mentor and coach for Care Team staff, ensuring that services are delivered with compassion, consistency, and effectiveness. This position is ideal for someone with strong leadership abilities, crisis response experience, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges. Principal Responsibilities: Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to new Care Team Specialists. Serve as a point of escalation for complex participant issues, behavioral interventions, and safety concerns. Facilitate team huddles, debriefs, and skill-building sessions on crisis prevention and trauma-informed practices. Ensure team adherence to policies and model professional conduct, empathy, and problem-solving. Build strong rapport with participants and support their health needs through harm reduction and trauma-informed care. Lead de-escalation and crisis response efforts using nonviolent techniques and model best practices for team members. Manage high-risk or sensitive situations with calm, confidence, and collaboration with care team staff and external partners. Conduct regular safety checks and monitor activity throughout the facility and perimeter to maintain a secure environment. Oversee daily front desk and check-in processes, including participant and visitor logs. Assist with participant intakes, room checks, and belongings searches in accordance with safety protocols. Prepare and review incident reports, ensuring accuracy and follow-up. Support coordination and communication between participants, staff, and community partners. Represent the team in emergency drills and coordinate response during actual incidents. Help maintain an organized, welcoming, and participant-centered environment. Work closely with clinical, behavioral health, and case management teams to ensure integrated care. Report operational needs or concerns to leadership and assist in ongoing quality improvement efforts. Uphold strict confidentiality and compliance with all policies and procedures. Apply AIDET principles (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) in all interactions. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director or leadership team. Physical Demands: Stand or walk for extended periods on various surfaces (tile, concrete, carpet). Climb stairs, ramps, or ladders as needed. Kneel, squat, bend, and run if necessary. Lift or carry up to 50- 70 lbs. occasionally. Use hands, arms, and fingers for reaching, handling, and grasping objects. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework or relevant certifications preferred. Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, with leadership or mentorship experience strongly preferred. Proven skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed engagement. Ability to model and teach harm reduction, housing-first, and low-barrier principles. Comfortable working in non-traditional settings (e.g., drop-in centers, outdoor spaces). Experience supporting individuals with mental illness, substance use, and high acuity needs. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and peer coaching. Proficiency in basic computer use (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, electronic records). Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred *All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Employee Benefits: At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30 hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums. Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses. Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays. 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan. Mileage reimbursement. Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD). Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more! Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time. JWCH Institute, Inc Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer .

Keywords: Jwch Institute, East Los Angeles , Crisis Prevention Specialist Lead, Healthcare , Los Angeles, California