Designated Crisis Responder (DCR)

Position Summary:

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 provides clinical services and specialist consultation to other Mobile Crisis Intervention team members as applicable.

Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts per week, which includes a rotating schedule of days, evenings, overnights and weekends.

Responsibilities:

Responds to requests for crisis services

• Gathers information from callers/informants, records information, and provides assessment at the individual's location in the community or arranges assessment at the most appropriate location.
• Triages telephone calls, meets with walk-in clients, and/or works with individuals in the hospital diversion or stabilization units.

Provides crisis and intake assessments

• Conducts evaluations under the Involuntary Treatment Act to include both mental health and substance abuse. Provides assistance to the MHP when needed.
• 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 the need for community based individual stabilization by accurately assessing risk to self, others or property and the presence of a grave disability. Formulates and implements appropriate clinical decisions based upon assessment data.

Provides safety and treatment planning

• Assesses community and family resources available to manage the individual in the least restrictive setting possible. Engages in developing plans with the individual and family that are appropriate to the individual's needs and circumstances.
• Formulates appropriate clinical decisions based upon assessment data. Interacts with the medical community and others in the community to develop and implement community-based treatment options to stabilize and maintain stability.
• Applies integrated summary data to the formulation of age/disability/family engagement when indicated, cultural, natural supports, co-occurring, and specific goals and objectives, as appropriate.
• Develops an appropriate plan of treatment supporting recovery concepts by incorporating the individual's/family's strengths, barriers and needs into the plan components.
• Documents clear problem statement and treatment goals/objectives in an individual's own voice and oriented to language that is understandable and meets clinical documentation standards.
• Formulates measurable, achievable goals and objectives, in collaboration with the individual.

Establishes and maintains working relationships with community resources

• Works with Catholic Charities staff, community agencies, medical providers, law enforcement, and other professionals in the community to coordinate care and ensure follow-up after the crisis
• Facilitates referrals to medical providers or other community resources when appropriate.

Completes necessary paperwork

• Uses Electronic Health Record (EHR) as required.
• Meets established timelines when making authorized entries in the medical record.
• Follows procedures for release of information, maintains complete and accurate concise records and reports.
• Produces discharge plans that include the reasons for discharge, anticipated need for continued care, treatment and services after discharge, and community resources or referrals.

Fosters teamwork and cooperation between team members

• Works to understand others on the team and is a cooperative team member who willingly helps others perform related jobs. Identifies and prioritizes issues and concerns that need resolution. Includes others in the decision-making process when appropriate to make independent, effective decisions using available information.
• Communicates in a professional manner that promotes teamwork, dignity, and a respectful work environment.
• Creates and retains positive relationships and promotes trust and respect.

Follows and participates in organization programs and requirements

• 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

Job Requirements:

The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the physical requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements.

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 to perform the job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time. Position also requires ability to drive with adequate vision.

Non-Physical Requirements:

Qualifications for candidates hired at the MHP level: $90,100-$100,700 per year

• 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

Qualifications for candidates hired at the Licensed level: $95,100- $105,700 per year

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

Minimum requirements for all candidates:

• 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
• Ability to work with others to accomplish objectives and achieve expected results
• Strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills for communicating with all ages and staff
• Ability to recognize cultural, racial and other issues that impact treatment, relationships and communications 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 work with others and promote a positive work environment
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community

Employment is conditional upon:

• Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required
  
  

Work Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts per week, which includes a rotating schedule of days, evenings, overnights and weekends

Wage Range: $90,100-$105,700 depending on education & experience

Relocation: up to $5000

Benefits:

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave per year
• Health insurance including medical & 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

It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.