Crisis-Ready Interventionist Certification

Be the Person Who Can Defuse a Crisis Before It Starts

In today’s emotionally complex and fast-moving workplace, it’s not enough to react to crises after they happen. Professionals need to be prepared. By training just 10 percent of your workforce, you can prevent conflict from escalating, protect psychological safety, and build long-term resilience across your organization.

The Crisis-Ready Interventionist Certification is a fully integrated program designed for people who want to be equipped with the skills to intervene early, respond effectively, and support colleagues through difficult situations. This program is led by Dr. Bill Howatt, one of Canada’s top experts in psychological health and safety. It also gives you 14 hours of professional development credit, already pre-approved by HRPA, CPHR Nova Scotia, and the CPD Standards Office.

Unlike modular programs that charge separately for different topics, Crisis-Ready includes everything you need in one place at one price. Certification requires renewal every 3 years.

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Delivery Format

Certification and Continuing Education

Why Choose Crisis-Ready Over Modular Programs

What you'll learn with Crisis-Ready Workplace

The program runs from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Each live Zoom session is three hours, with recordings posted afterward for anyone unable to attend live. 

2 hours of self-guided material review is recommended for a total of 14 CPD hours. 

Block 1: Foundation

Date: October 7, 2025 | Duration: 3 hours

Module 1 – Introduction to the Foundation for Crisis Intervention

  • Learn how crisis readiness improves workplace mental health and safety

  • Understand a six-step model for responding to workplace crises

  • Explore how to stay calm and in control under pressure

Module 2 – Trauma-Informed Awareness and Critical Incident Defusing

  • Learn how trauma-informed strategies reduce harm

  • Support employees with informal defusing practices before formal interventions

  • Understand how trained peers can support others after difficult events


Block 2: Responder

Date: October 14, 2025 | Duration: 3 hours

Module 3 – Preventing Interpersonal Crises from Escalating

  • Recognize and address early signs of tension or conflict

  • Build cultures of inclusion and belonging to reduce risk

  • Use practical skills to promote safety and support

Module 4 – Early Detection of Employees at Risk

  • Spot early signs of mental health challenges, impairment, or stress

  • Understand your responsibilities under Duty to Inquire

  • Apply a five-step model to support employees with care


Prepare with 2-Hours of Self-Guided Review

Before Sessions 3 and 4, participants complete a self-guided 2-hour review of materials from Sessions 1 and 2 along with pre-reads for the upcoming modules.


Block 3: Prevention

Date: October 21, 2025 | Duration: 3 hours

Module 5 – How to Manage an Angry Person

  • Learn the anger cycle and how to prevent escalation

  • Practice calm, safe de-escalation techniques

  • Avoid common mistakes that increase tension

Module 6 – How to Support a Suicidal Employee

  • Recognize myths and warning signs of suicidal ideation

  • Understand the decision-making process around suicide risk

  • Use a clear support model and connect people to appropriate resources

 


 

Block 4: Crisis-Ready Micro-Interventions

Date: October 28, 2025 | Duration: 3 hours

This session provides brief, scenario-based learning segments that build confidence in responding to specific high-risk situations.

Modules (7-12):

  1. Supporting Employees Experiencing Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence
  2. Managing Armed Assailant Threats in the Workplace
  3. Intervening in Cases of Verbal Abuse and Escalated Aggression
  4. Supporting Employees Experiencing Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion
  5. Crisis Intervention Micro-skills: Supporting Moral Injury in the Workplace
  6. Coaching Leaders to Support Employees in Crisis

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Gain confidence in handling real-world workplace crises

  • Expand your skills with practical tools for different types of events

  • Use trauma-informed approaches to reduce harm and support recovery


 

Bring Crisis-Ready to Your Organization

Want to prepare more of your team at once? The Crisis Ready Enterprise Program brings expert-led training directly to your organization. We offer tailored in-house sessions for municipalities, hospitals, school boards, and national employers. This program helps you train staff across all levels with practical tools to prevent crises before they escalate.

Sessions can be customized to fit your sector, schedule, and unique needs. Build internal confidence, boost resilience, and create a workplace culture focused on prevention and support.

Contact us at crisisready@howatthr.com to learn more or schedule a discovery call.