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Crisis Engagement Specialist-1

Centerstone · Alton, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you stayed calm in a tense situation with someone who was very upset.

What they are checking: Whether they have the temperament crisis work requires.

How do you take care of yourself after a difficult call?

What they are checking: Whether they have healthy ways to recover so they can keep doing this work.

Why do you want to do mobile crisis work?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the unpredictable schedule and intensity of the role.

What would you do

You arrive at an emergency room with the crisis clinician. What is your role during the assessment?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how to support the clinician without overstepping their role.

How would you help calm a family member who is panicking while their loved one is in crisis?

What they are checking: Whether they can steady people around the client so the assessment can happen.

How would you work with police officers at a crisis call?

What they are checking: Whether they can partner with law enforcement while keeping the focus on mental health needs.

How do you handle crisis calls by phone or video compared with in person?

What they are checking: Whether they can adapt engagement skills to remote contact.

About the work

After a crisis is stabilized, how do you link the person to ongoing services?

What they are checking: Whether they follow through on referrals so the person does not fall through the cracks.

What signs would make you worried someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize warning signs and know to alert the clinician right away.

How do you write a clear note about a crisis contact?

What they are checking: Whether they document facts and actions accurately for the team and records.

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The full job description

As published by Centerstone.

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team! JOB DESCRIPTION: SUMMARY OF POSITION Provides supportive services during mobile crisis response and crisis intervention services to clients, families, community partners and referral sources. Supports clients, their families, community partners and crisis clinician during crisis assessments, crisis stabilization, and crisis intervention in a community settings, by telephone, and video to recipients in crisis. Facilitates appropriate linkage and referral to on-going services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Assists in crisis assessments of individuals at the emergency room of a local community hospital, local police department, school, jail, or other community-based sites, and facilitate appropriate linkage and referral to on-going services. • Assists in emergency mental health consultations with physicians, law enforcement officials, school officials, and other community and/or state agency representatives in an effort to resolve mental health crisis regarding residents in our service area. • Assists with pre-screenings for both the state operated hospital and private psychiatric hospitals to determine the need for either voluntary or involuntary psychiatric hospital admissions. • Assists service recipients in making safety and discharge plans. Provides follow up services as assigned. • Assists management when assigned by mentoring and working alongside new staff and/or interns to model and provide instruction on emergency processes, protocols, and services. • Attend staff meetings, clinical staffing’s, and other internal meetings as assigned. Participates on committees as assigned, including quality assurance functions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES • Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods. • Knowledge of community resources • Skill in customer service techniques • Skill in developing problem solving strategies • Knowledge of the criminal justice system as it affects adolescents. QUALIFICATIONS Education Level Requires Associates Degree and two years combination of relevant experience with persons with mental health or substance use diagnosis and lived experience; or five years combination of relevant experience with persons with mental health or substance use diagnosis and lived experience. Bachelor’s Degree in human services related field preferred. In programs with non-billable services and as allowed by funder, Directors may make documented exceptions and authorize an equivalency of five years of lived experience. Years of Experience One to five years of relevant experience. Required Certification/Licensure CRSS credential is required as soon as possible, within 18 months of hire Valid driver’s license, and safe driving history required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Standing – 20% Sitting – 80% Squatting – Occasional Kneeling – Occasional Bending – Occasional Driving – 20% Lifting – Occasional Time Type: Full time Pay Range: $16.50--$23.10 Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy: • Medical, dental, and vision health coverage • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts • 403b retirement plan with company match • Paid time off and ten paid holidays • AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid) • Employee Resource Groups • Continuing education opportunities • Employee Assistance Program Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect. At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our Culture. Our approach to culture is to create an environment that encourages, supports and celebrates the voices and experiences of our employees. We are committed to a culture of empowerment, respect, integrity and expertise that powers our innovation and connects us to each other, our clients and the communities we serve. Centerstone is also committed to a strong culture of quality and safety, celebrating role-models who champion best practices for quality, clinical risk, and patient safety.

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