The Chicago Park District
Special Projects Manager - Crisis Support
The Chicago Park District, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Job Description
Title: Special Projects Manager - Crisis Support
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Under supervision of the Health & Wellness Officer, this position is responsible for:
Crisis Support:
Provides immediate crisis management and trauma-informed support and intervention for employees impacted by traumatic events by promptly assessing staff needs, facilitating assistance, and responding to impacted park sites as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours after an incident. Upstream Resiliency Interventions:
Supports the coordination and development of training and services to create a healing-centered environment at the Park District to support resilience and trauma-informed responses and protocols across teams. External Partnership Management & Support:
Partners with external experts and organizations to leverage resources to support the emotional wellbeing of staff. Data Analysis, Record Keeping, and Resource Management:
Maintains and updates accurate records, resources, and materials; sharing analysis and reports with leadership to inform efforts.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Crisis Support Coordinates as necessary with internal leadership to provide swift and proactive responses to incidents on Chicago Park District sites experiencing crisis or trauma-related events, ensuring timely support and intervention. Conducts an initial on-site visit to affected park sites as soon as possible, but no later than within 48 hours of the incident occurring, facilitating immediate assistance and assessment of needs. Conducts multiple in-person visits with impacted employees following incidents to assess employee needs, encourage employee utilization of available resources, and to provide ongoing support. Provides other trauma resiliency and crisis support consultation and referrals to employees as directed. Collaborates with internal teams to share insights and provide recommendations to strengthen staff wellbeing. Conducts outreach to families after an incident, when deemed appropriate by Park District leadership; provides recommendations to other resources to support park participants' wellbeing In consultation with leadership, manages post-incident internal and external communication efforts, including communications to employees, park participants, and community members impacted by incidents. Keeps up to date with crisis intervention techniques, mental health policies, and community resources to provide the most effective support to employees, including the City of Chicago's mental health and resiliency resources. Maintains strong communication with internal departments to be responsive to crisis needs and adjusts responses and interventions as necessary. Serves as "on call" as necessary to be responsive to ongoing crises. Trainings & Interventions
In collaboration with Chicago Park District Human Resources, Security, Health & Wellness Officer, Policy, and other departments, along with external partners, conducts preventative upstream learning opportunities and trainings to build emotional health literacy and resiliency in staff, including supporting efforts to create of a healing centered environment at the Park District. Supports and travels to parks, regions and units throughout the city on a regular basis to share resources, gather feedback, and implement healing-centered initiatives. Provides ongoing guidance and support to staff to ensure they are familiar with the manual and equipped to utilize its resources during crisis events. Data Analysis, Record Keeping, and Resource Management
Continuously monitors internal incident reports to stay informed about crisis events occurring within park sites; provides regular reports on actions taken in response to such incidents. In consultation with leadership, regularly updates and maintains crisis and trauma support plans and protocols, including manuals and standard operating procedures. Maintains detailed records of traumatic events, including trends, common affected areas, and the types of trauma or events observed. Maintains detailed and accurate case documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and crisis intervention plans. Utilizes gathered data to identify priority areas for crisis support and, in consultation with leadership, determines the distribution strategy for trainings and support.
External Partnership Management & Support
Acts as a dedicated liaison for the Park District's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Coordinates and connects staff to local resources, such as the EAP, Chicago Department of Public Health services, and other organizations. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with representatives from city agencies, departments, and community organizations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience:
A master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, supplemented by five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required. Certification or licensure in social work, counseling, or a related field is required. Previous experience in crisis intervention, case management, trauma-responsive practices, or a related field is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think quickly and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and mental health practices, including de-escalation strategies and safety planning. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to crisis intervention and client advocacy. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional boundaries. Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for park site visits. Familiarity with community resources and services available for individuals in crisis. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with employees and communities. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to quickly and concisely draft written communications to employees, community members, and patrons after incidents. Ability to operate with empathy and compassion, with a non-judgmental attitude and the ability to provide emotional support to individuals in crisis. Ability to operate with cultural sensitivity and awareness Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with other professionals, agencies, and community resources to meet employees' needs. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously. Proficient computer skills, including experience with electronic documentation systems. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job requires the employee to frequently sit and talk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand and talk. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is generally performed primarily in an office setting, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Travel to citywide Park District facilities, events, and meetings is required.
BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE:
As a full-time Chicago Park District employee, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans. 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days in first year of employment). 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year. 4 paid personal days per year. 13 paid holidays per year. 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility). Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act. Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan. Optional pre-tax programs - Transit Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility. Free Admission to most Chicago museums.
Title: Special Projects Manager - Crisis Support
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Under supervision of the Health & Wellness Officer, this position is responsible for:
Crisis Support:
Provides immediate crisis management and trauma-informed support and intervention for employees impacted by traumatic events by promptly assessing staff needs, facilitating assistance, and responding to impacted park sites as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours after an incident. Upstream Resiliency Interventions:
Supports the coordination and development of training and services to create a healing-centered environment at the Park District to support resilience and trauma-informed responses and protocols across teams. External Partnership Management & Support:
Partners with external experts and organizations to leverage resources to support the emotional wellbeing of staff. Data Analysis, Record Keeping, and Resource Management:
Maintains and updates accurate records, resources, and materials; sharing analysis and reports with leadership to inform efforts.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Crisis Support Coordinates as necessary with internal leadership to provide swift and proactive responses to incidents on Chicago Park District sites experiencing crisis or trauma-related events, ensuring timely support and intervention. Conducts an initial on-site visit to affected park sites as soon as possible, but no later than within 48 hours of the incident occurring, facilitating immediate assistance and assessment of needs. Conducts multiple in-person visits with impacted employees following incidents to assess employee needs, encourage employee utilization of available resources, and to provide ongoing support. Provides other trauma resiliency and crisis support consultation and referrals to employees as directed. Collaborates with internal teams to share insights and provide recommendations to strengthen staff wellbeing. Conducts outreach to families after an incident, when deemed appropriate by Park District leadership; provides recommendations to other resources to support park participants' wellbeing In consultation with leadership, manages post-incident internal and external communication efforts, including communications to employees, park participants, and community members impacted by incidents. Keeps up to date with crisis intervention techniques, mental health policies, and community resources to provide the most effective support to employees, including the City of Chicago's mental health and resiliency resources. Maintains strong communication with internal departments to be responsive to crisis needs and adjusts responses and interventions as necessary. Serves as "on call" as necessary to be responsive to ongoing crises. Trainings & Interventions
In collaboration with Chicago Park District Human Resources, Security, Health & Wellness Officer, Policy, and other departments, along with external partners, conducts preventative upstream learning opportunities and trainings to build emotional health literacy and resiliency in staff, including supporting efforts to create of a healing centered environment at the Park District. Supports and travels to parks, regions and units throughout the city on a regular basis to share resources, gather feedback, and implement healing-centered initiatives. Provides ongoing guidance and support to staff to ensure they are familiar with the manual and equipped to utilize its resources during crisis events. Data Analysis, Record Keeping, and Resource Management
Continuously monitors internal incident reports to stay informed about crisis events occurring within park sites; provides regular reports on actions taken in response to such incidents. In consultation with leadership, regularly updates and maintains crisis and trauma support plans and protocols, including manuals and standard operating procedures. Maintains detailed records of traumatic events, including trends, common affected areas, and the types of trauma or events observed. Maintains detailed and accurate case documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and crisis intervention plans. Utilizes gathered data to identify priority areas for crisis support and, in consultation with leadership, determines the distribution strategy for trainings and support.
External Partnership Management & Support
Acts as a dedicated liaison for the Park District's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Coordinates and connects staff to local resources, such as the EAP, Chicago Department of Public Health services, and other organizations. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with representatives from city agencies, departments, and community organizations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience:
A master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, supplemented by five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required. Certification or licensure in social work, counseling, or a related field is required. Previous experience in crisis intervention, case management, trauma-responsive practices, or a related field is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think quickly and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and mental health practices, including de-escalation strategies and safety planning. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to crisis intervention and client advocacy. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional boundaries. Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for park site visits. Familiarity with community resources and services available for individuals in crisis. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with employees and communities. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to quickly and concisely draft written communications to employees, community members, and patrons after incidents. Ability to operate with empathy and compassion, with a non-judgmental attitude and the ability to provide emotional support to individuals in crisis. Ability to operate with cultural sensitivity and awareness Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with other professionals, agencies, and community resources to meet employees' needs. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously. Proficient computer skills, including experience with electronic documentation systems. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job requires the employee to frequently sit and talk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand and talk. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is generally performed primarily in an office setting, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Travel to citywide Park District facilities, events, and meetings is required.
BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE:
As a full-time Chicago Park District employee, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans. 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days in first year of employment). 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year. 4 paid personal days per year. 13 paid holidays per year. 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility). Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act. Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan. Optional pre-tax programs - Transit Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility. Free Admission to most Chicago museums.