Crisis Engagement Specialist

About the role

The Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in coordinating care and providing support to children and youth experiencing crises. This position is responsible for conducting outreach and follow-up to children and families who have engaged with crisis services, with a particular focus on those who decline or disengage. The role includes delivering evidence-based Caring Contacts, reconnecting former clients, coordinating care, and fostering engagement through compassionate, proactive communication.

Responsibilities

• Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
• Implement the Caring Contacts protocol through phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication, based on an evidence-based model designed to reduce suicide risk.
• Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post-treatment.
• Client Engagement and Follow-Up
• Conduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation and offer support.
• Maintain contact with former clients and families to assess ongoing needs and provide appropriate referrals or follow-up.
• Serve as a point of contact for post-discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and supporting client wellness.
• System Engagement and Resource Coordination
• Collaborate with internal and external service providers to support client care plan, ensuring that all immediate and ongoing needs are addressed including appropriate follow-up and referrals for services.
• Coordinate services and follow-up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange.
• Aid in scheduling follow-up appointments or connecting families with ongoing mental health support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and act as a liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that all services are integrated and coordinated effectively.
• Advocate for the needs of youth and families within the program and with external agencies, ensuring that services are delivered in a culturally competent and client-centered manner.
• Identify community resources and support services for youth and families, ensuring that they are connected with appropriate services such as mental health counseling, housing, educational support, etc.
• Help youth and families navigate systems, including insurance, legal, educational, and other social services, to ensure holistic support.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all client interactions and collateral follow-ups in accordance with program policies and state regulations.
• Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, including documentation of progress, barriers, and recommendations for further intervention or resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
• Two years of experience in case management, preferably in healthcare, mental health services, or crisis intervention programs.
• Familiarity with Delaware’s behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
• Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
• Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
• Free Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Signing Bonus Eligible

Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?

DGS strives to build a collaborative, flexible, and client-focused work environment. Employee wellness is a top priority. In addition to offering flexible work arrangements, DGS offers a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package including:

• Competitive Compensation
• Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
• Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
• Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
• Free Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Signing Bonus Eligible