Crisis Intervention and De-escalation

Training Overview

Conflict is an inevitable part of working with residents in affordable housing, our on-site partners and even with friends and family. This presentation will focus on understanding what exactly a crisis is, the characteristics of an intervention and how to safely de-escalate a situation including recognizing how to use your own personal conflict management style. Participants will gain an understanding of what may motivate difficult behaviors, and will be introduced to practical, evidence-based techniques for managing difficult situations while maintaining safe, respectful communities. Participants will learn how to recognize escalating behaviors, communicate calmly and effectively, establish healthy boundaries, respond to residents experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges and to manage inappropriate behaviors while maintaining accountability. The session also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-care before, during and after a crisis, providing participants with a practical toolkit for fostering positive outcomes.

Bruce Kuban

Bruce Kuban is the former LifeSTEPS’ Director of Supportive and Health Services and has been with LifeSTEPS for over 12 years. He currently is semi-retired and serves as the Project and Training Specialist working to develop new projects for the agency while also assisting with quality assurance, compliance and oversight to several programs contracted by LifeSTEPS to provide social and supportive services to residents living in affordable permanent housing. These programs include intensive case management services for formerly homeless residents living in permanent supportive housing provided through the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Housing for Health division.

With more than 30 years of experience in the social services field, Bruce previously served as a case manager to clients receiving subsidized childcare and worked as a Family Resource Center project manager and was a middle school counselor for 10 years. Bruce received his Master’s Degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Sacramento State University.

Bruce Kuban

Project and Training Specialist, LifeSTEPS