Designated Crisis Responder

About the role

The Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) is a member of the Mobile Crisis Intervention team that provides crisis outreach services to individuals experiencing acute emotional distress and/or mental health crisis, with the goal to stabilize the individual in the least restrictive setting possible. The DCR provides direct crisis evaluation and crisis intervention and offers clinical services and specialist consultation to other Mobile Crisis Intervention team members.

Responsibilities

• Responds to requests for crisis services, gathering and recording information from callers/informants, and providing assessments at the individual’s location in the community or arranging assessment at the most appropriate location.
• Triages telephone calls, meets with walk-in clients, and/or works with individuals in hospital Diversion or Stabilization units, as assigned.
• Provides crisis and intake assessments, including evaluations under the Involuntary Treatment Act for both mental health and substance abuse.
• Administers case management in a culturally competent manner within the most appropriate environment.
• Utilizes crisis intervention techniques to facilitate diversion from hospitalization through individual stabilization in the community whenever possible.
• Assesses risk to self, others, or property and the presence of a grave disability to determine the need for community-based stabilization.
• Formulates and implements appropriate clinical decisions based on assessment data.
• Provides safety and treatment planning, assessing community and family resources to manage the individual in the least restrictive setting.
• Engages in developing plans with the individual and family that align with their needs and circumstances.
• Interacts with the medical community and others to develop and implement community-based treatment options.
• Applies integrated summary data to the formulation of age, disability, cultural, natural supports, co-occurring, and specific goals and objectives.
• Develops treatment plans supporting recovery concepts by incorporating the individual’s/family’s strengths, barriers, and needs.
• Documents clear problem statements and treatment goals in the individual’s own voice, ensuring clinical documentation standards are met.
• Formulates measurable, achievable goals and objectives in collaboration with the individual.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with community resources, including Catholic Charities staff, community agencies, medical providers, law enforcement, and other professionals to coordinate care and ensure follow-up.
• Facilitates referrals to medical providers or other community resources when appropriate.
• Completes necessary paperwork, including using the Electronic Health Record (EHR), meeting established timelines, and following procedures for release of information.
• Produces discharge plans that include reasons for discharge, anticipated need for continued care, and community resources or referrals.
• Fosters teamwork and cooperation by understanding team dynamics, prioritizing issues, and including others in decision-making.
• Communicates professionally to promote teamwork, dignity, and a respectful work environment.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and educates individuals on matters requiring informed consent.
• Follows the agency’s Mental Health guidelines and procedures when working with individuals served in the crisis system.
• Participates in supervision, multi-disciplinary team staffing, training, specialist, and psychiatric consultation as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, clinical psychology, or a related field leading to eligibility for clinical licensure.
• Minimum of two years of experience providing mental health treatment under the supervision of a mental health professional.
• Required to obtain Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) designation upon hire.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State.
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities’ liability insurance provider.
• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes for Acute Crisis Services and RCWs for Behavioral Health Disorders.
• Strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills for interacting with all ages and staff.
• Ability to recognize cultural, racial, and other issues impacting treatment and integrating that knowledge to work effectively with different cultures.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Knowledge and use of a strength-based approach with staff.
• Ability to represent the agency professionally within the community.

Qualifications

For candidates hired at the MHP level:

• Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), Marriage & Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), Independent Clinical Social Work Associate (LICSWA), or Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC) in Washington State.

For candidates hired at the Licensed level:

• Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), or Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW) license in Washington State.

Physical Requirements

• This position normally requires the physical demands of standing, walking, bending, lifting, or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking, and hearing on a regular basis (up to 80% of the time).
• Ability to drive with adequate vision.

Pay

Wage range: $90,100–$105,700 depending on education and experience.

Bonus: An earned bonus of $10,000 after 6 months, $10,000 at 1-year anniversary, and $10,000 at 2-year anniversary, for a total earned bonus of $30,000.

Relocation: Up to $5,000 relocation reimbursement within the state of WA over 50 miles; $10,000 for relocations from outside of WA.

Schedule

Four 10-hour shifts per week, including a rotating schedule of days, evenings, overnights, and weekends.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation, and 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health insurance including medical and prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans (majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities).
• Retirement 403(b) Plan: Employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment.
• Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities.
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment.
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment.
• Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long-term disability, accident, and ID theft.
• Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools.
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment.