Crisis Intervention Specialist Interview Questions

How do you stay current with best practices and emerging trends in crisis intervention?

SENIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

Oh, I make sure to keep up with the latest trends in crisis intervention by attending workshops, taking part in webinars, and reading up on recent articles. Just last year, I did a course on trauma-informed care which was super informative. I also follow a couple of industry leaders on social media to get insights into any new approaches they're advocating for.

Here is a more solid answer:

To stay current with best practices, I regularly schedule time each week to read through the latest publications in mental health and crisis intervention. For instance, I subscribe to the Journal of Crisis Intervention and Time-Sensitive Social Work and have set up Google Scholar alerts for new studies in the field. Additionally, I attend annual conferences like the International Crisis Intervention Team Conference and actively participate in round-table discussions to exchange strategies and insights with peers. This ongoing education has been crucial to refining my risk assessment and deescalation skills.

Why is this a more solid answer?

This solid answer improves upon the basic one by introducing a systematic approach to staying updated, referencing specific industry publications, and mentioning active participation in professional conferences. It shows a focused effort to acquire advanced knowledge, which is essential for a Senior Crisis Intervention Specialist, but it can still be expanded by detailing how the acquired knowledge is put into practice.

An example of a exceptional answer:

My commitment to learning is rigorous; I allocate a few hours each week specifically for professional development in crisis intervention. Besides maintaining subscriptions to leading journals like the American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, I've also enrolled in an annual membership with the Crisis Intervention Association for updates on cutting-edge methodologies. Last quarter, I completed an advanced workshop on opioid crisis management, which closely aligns with our local community's needs. I believe in combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, so I've initiated bi-monthly peer-led training sessions with my current team to discuss recent case studies and collaborate on improving our intervention techniques based on the latest research findings.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer demonstrates a deep level of engagement with the field, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to applying current knowledge. It clearly shows the candidate's leadership in not only staying updated with best practices but also fostering a learning environment within their team. Such an approach is reflective of the responsibilities and skills required by a Senior Crisis Intervention Specialist as stated in the job description.

How to prepare for this question:

Review recent literature, like professional journals and books, focusing on crisis intervention, and note new methodologies or research findings that might be relevant to use in your role.

Attend workshops, certifications, and additional training that specifically relate to crisis intervention. Ensure these are from recognized institutions and are directly applicable to the job's responsibilities.

Engage actively in professional networks, including online forums, social media groups, and associations, to exchange ideas and stay informed about new developments in the field.

Follow thought leaders and influential figures in crisis intervention on social media, blogs, and other platforms to gain insights into emerging trends and best practices.

Set up alerts on research databases like Google Scholar for specific keywords related to crisis intervention to automatically stay informed about new studies and articles.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?