A Crisis Intervention Specialist provides immediate support to individuals experiencing acute emotional, mental health, or behavioural crises. In the UK, these professionals often work with people facing emergencies such as suicidal thoughts, domestic abuse, homelessness, or substance misuse. Their role involves assessing the severity of the crisis, offering emotional support, developing safety plans, and connecting individuals with ongoing services and resources. Crisis Intervention Specialists may work in hospitals, helplines, community centres, or even visit people in their homes. The job requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Training in mental health, social work, or counselling is usually required, and many employers look for experience in related fields.
The average salary for a Crisis Intervention Specialist in the UK ranges from £23,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are approximately 1,500 to 2,000 positions advertised annually across the UK in roles directly related to crisis intervention.
Around 60 percent of Crisis Intervention Specialists in the UK work for NHS trusts, while others are employed by charities, local authorities, or private organisations.
Works specifically with children and teenagers facing immediate personal or family crises, providing emotional support and connecting them to necessary services.
Offers urgent support, advice, and referrals to individuals experiencing domestic abuse, mainly through telephone or online helpline services.
Responds to urgent mental health situations, helping individuals in distress and working closely with health professionals and emergency services.
Complete your GCSEs, focusing on English, Maths, and Science.
Most employers require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and Maths. Science or Health and Social Care subjects may be helpful. If you do not have these, consider completing functional skills courses or equivalent qualifications to meet the entry requirements.
Take A Levels, a Level 3 Diploma, or an apprenticeship in Health and Social Care or a related field.
Relevant A Levels include Psychology, Sociology, or Health and Social Care. Alternatively, a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care provides valuable practical experience. Some local authorities also offer relevant apprenticeships that combine study with work experience.
Study for a degree or professional qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related subject.
Most Crisis Intervention Specialists hold a degree in a related field. Courses typically last three years full time and include placements in real life settings. Some roles accept equivalent professional qualifications or significant experience in mental health or social services.
Complete specific training in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, or suicide prevention.
Many organisations offer accredited training in crisis intervention skills, including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). These courses teach practical techniques for supporting individuals in crisis and may be essential for employment.
Gain experience working or volunteering in settings such as helplines, hospitals, or mental health charities.
Hands on experience is highly valued. You could volunteer with organisations like Samaritans, Mind, or local crisis teams. Paid roles in support work or care settings also provide relevant experience and skills for this career.
Apply for positions as a Crisis Intervention Specialist or related roles in mental health, social services, or emergency response.
Look for job openings in NHS trusts, local councils, mental health charities, or community outreach programmes. Highlight your training, relevant qualifications, and experience in your applications, and be prepared to undergo background checks and further on the job training.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Crisis Intervention Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Crisis Intervention Specialist and a Substance Misuse Outreach Worker both focus on providing immediate support and intervention to individuals facing mental health or addiction-related crises. Both roles require strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to quickly assess and respond to urgent emotional or behavioural issues.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a part time college course to give you an understanding of substance misuse.
You could do a level 1 or 2 award in substance misuse awareness or a level 3 certificate in tackling substance misuse.
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
You could do a peer worker advanced apprenticeship or an early intervention practitioner higher apprenticeship.
You could also do an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship to get some of the skills and knowledge you need to become a substance misuse outreach worker.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
You could volunteer with a drug, alcohol or housing charity to build skills and get work experience.
You could also volunteer with a substance misuse organisation. You can find contact details for an organisation near you from Frank.
You could apply directly to an employer.
You'll need a good understanding of the issues people with substance misuse problems might face. You might also need experience in criminal justice, social care, youth work or counselling.
You could also apply if you have personal experience of addiction or dependency. Applications are usually welcome from people who have successfully come through treatment.
You can find out more about becoming a substance misuse outreach worker from Alcohol Change UK and With You.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
