The number of people who use a mental health crisis line in the U.S. has increased in recent years. A mental health crisis line is a phone number that people can call when they are feeling suicidal or otherwise in need of immediate help. Crisis workers help to staff these lines and provide support to callers. Starting a career as a crisis worker can be a rewarding way to help others in need and can be a great entry into the mental health field.
Finding open crisis intervention specialist opportunities is easy at Behavioral Health Jobs. Quickly filter by experience level, location, and facility type to find a job that will launch your career trajectory upward. Get started by searching for your new job today.
What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis is a situation in which a person’s mental health status deteriorates to the point where they cannot function or cope in their daily lives. Crisis workers are trained professionals who help people in crisis situations.
Mental health crises can happen suddenly or develop over time. They can be the result of a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, the death of a loved one, or witnessing violence. They can also stem from long-term stressors, such as chronic illness, financial difficulties, or relationship problems.
What Is a Crisis Worker, and What Do They Do?
Crisis workers are responsible for providing crisis intervention and counseling services to individuals in emotional distress. They work with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of emotional problems, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Relationship issues
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Crisis workers assess the individual’s level of emotional distress and develop a plan to address the immediate needs of the individual. They provide crisis counseling, short-term counseling, referrals to community resources, and follow-up services. Crisis workers also provide support to family members and friends affected by the individual’s emotional distress.
Crisis workers are employed by a variety of organizations, including but not limited to:
- Mental health centers
- Community mental health agencies
- Substance abuse treatment facilities
- Hospitals
- Crisis hotlines
- Schools
- Criminal justice agencies
What Sort of Person Would Make a Good Crisis Worker?
A crisis worker should be a person of strong character with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. They should also be compassionate and empathetic to understand the unique needs of those they are helping. Additionally, they need to have an aptitude for working in stressful situations and remain calm under pressure. Crisis workers must also be able to assess people quickly, think on their feet and make sound judgments that benefit everyone involved. Finally, crisis workers must possess a great deal of patience, as each situation requires special attention and time to resolve. All these qualities help create an effective crisis worker who can provide assistance in any emergency.
The job of a crisis worker is both demanding and rewarding; it requires dedication to helping others through difficult times. If you think you possess the necessary qualities, then you might consider becoming a crisis worker and making a difference in your community.
Salary and Job Outlooks for Crisis Workers
Crisis workers typically need at least a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Many states also require crisis workers to be licensed. The median annual salary for crisis counselors in the U.S. is $44,630. Job opportunities in the field are expected to grow 19% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
If you’re interested in becoming a crisis worker, consider pursuing a degree in social work.
Social workers help people cope with the challenges of daily life. They provide direct services to individuals, families, and groups dealing with issues such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. Social workers also advocate for social justice and work to create change in systems and policies.
A bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions in the field. However, many jobs, especially those in clinical social work, require a master’s degree. Clinical social workers must be licensed in most states.
Find Crisis Worker Positions Near You on Behavioral Health Jobs
Crisis workers are in high demand across the U.S. Use the Behavioral Health Job Board to find crisis worker positions near you. Simply enter your zip code into the search bar, and a list of job openings in your area will appear. You can also narrow your search by job title, organization, and employment type.
People experience crises every day and find help from crisis workers. Make your next job purposeful by finding an open crisis worker position today.
