Describe your experience with collaborating with other healthcare professionals and law enforcement during a crisis.

Crisis Intervention Specialist Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

Oh, collaboration during a crisis? Sure, I've teamed up with nurses, doctors, and even cops when things got hectic. Last year, I helped handle a situation where a patient was having a severe panic attack in the ER. The police were there because the patient got aggressive. I stepped in, talked the patient down with some breathing exercises, and we got them calmed down. This kind of team effort happens now and then, and I like to think I'm good at it, keeping cool and chatting with everyone to make sure we're on the same page.

A more solid answer

In my previous role at an inpatient facility, I frequently collaborated with healthcare professionals and law enforcement during crises. For instance, we had a code blue situation where a patient became violent. I worked closely with the security team, providing them with information about the patient's background and potential triggers. Simultaneously, I communicated with the medical staff to ensure patient safety. My role was to deescalate the crisis by using verbal techniques and to help law enforcement understand the patient's mental health needs. Afterward, I documented the incident in detail and participated in a debrief to improve our crisis response.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This solid answer adds layers to the previous response by including a specific scenario, the role played during the crisis, and detail about teamwork with law enforcement and healthcare professionals. It shows an understanding of the candidate's part in deescalation and post-incident actions like documentation and debriefs. This answer is better because it touches upon interpersonal communication, decision-making, documentation, and an understanding of crisis techniques. However, it could still connect more closely with the job description by mentioning specific techniques or certifications.

An exceptional answer

During my three-year tenure as a mental health counselor, collaborating with other healthcare pros and law enforcement during crises became second nature. I recall one intense scenario when a distraught family member brought a patient experiencing psychosis into the hospital. Swift coordination was imperative. I worked as the communication lynchpin—guiding the police to create a safe perimeter, while I engaged with the on-call psychiatrist to arrange immediate care. My training in CPI and understanding of deescalation techniques allowed me to provide instructions to the team on how to approach the patient calmly and without aggravating the crisis. After the patient was secure, I spearheaded the reporting process, ensuring all details were meticulously documented. This incident solidified my reputation for remaining composed under pressure and enhancing team cohesion during emergencies.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer delves deeper into a challenging event, describing the candidate's duties comprehensively and showcasing their crisis management expertise. It incorporates how the candidate's interpersonal skills, crisis intervention techniques, and decision-making contributed to resolving the situation. This response is tied closely to the job description by mentioning communication, composure, documentation, and the candidate's proactive role in enhancing team collaboration. It also demonstrates an adherence to ethical standards, knowledge of protocols, and implied flexibility in work hours. Moreover, mentioning a specific CPI certification tailors the answer to the qualifications required in the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past incidents where you've collaborated with a variety of stakeholders during crises. Identify moments when your actions directly contributed to resolving the situation.
Review specific crisis intervention techniques and protocols that you have used or are trained in, such as CPI. Be prepared to discuss how you applied these techniques during actual events.
Practice discussing your role calmly and clearly, demonstrating how your communication skills enable effective teamwork.
Prepare to walk through the documentation process post-crisis. Be ready to explain the importance of accurate reporting and how it contributes to learning and process improvement.
Consider ethical dilemmas you have encountered and how you maintained confidentiality and integrity during those challenging moments.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
Strong understanding of crisis intervention techniques and protocols
Proficiency in documenting and reporting
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and law enforcement