DCR - Designated Crisis Responder

The Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) is part of the 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. DCRs provide evaluations under the Involuntary Treatment Act to include both mental health and substance abuse. The DCR utilizes crisis intervention techniques to facilitate diversion from hospitalization through individual stabilization in the community whenever possible. The DCR assesses the individual's risk to self, others, or property and evaluates individuals to determine if there is a need for detention under the Involuntary Treatment Act due to the presence of a grave disability. The DCR also assesses the community and family resources available to manage the individual in the least restrictive setting possible and works to develop plans with the individual and family that are appropriate to the individual's needs and circumstances. The DCR formulates appropriate clinical decisions based upon assessment data, and interacts with the medical community and others in the community to develop and implement community-based treatment options to stabilize/maintain stability. Schedule: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. This position will start after July 1, 2025.

Responsibilities:

• Provides crisis and intake assessments utilizing crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Diagnosis, brief support services, and case management in a culturally competent manner within the most appropriate environment
• Assesses each individual for risk to self, others, or property and the presence of a grave disability, and formulates and implements appropriate clinical decisions based upon assessment data.
• Develops an appropriate plan of treatment supporting recovery concepts by incorporating the individual's and family's strengths, barriers and needs into the plan components
• Triaging telephone calls, meeting with walk in clients, and/or working with individuals in the Hospital Diversion or Stabilization units, as assigned
• Works with other Catholic Charities staff and community partners to coordinate care
• Facilitates linkages to medical providers or other community resources when appropriate
• Gathers information from callers or referrers, recording information, and providing assessment at the individuals location in the community or arranging assessment at the most appropriate location.
• Completes necessary paperwork using CareLogic Electronic Health Record (EHR) or other systems as required
• Discharge Plan includes the reason for discharge, anticipated need for continued care, treatment and services after discharge, and community resources or referrals
• 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.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and educates individuals on matters requiring informed consent.
• Coordinates with agency or community treatment providers with whom the client is engaged to ensure follow up after a crisis episode requiring intervention.
• Follows the agency's Mental Health guidelines and procedures when working with individuals served in the crisis system.
• Communicates in a professional manner that promotes team work, dignity and a respectful environment.
• Creates and retains positive relationships and promotes trust and respect
• Participates in supervision, multi-disciplinary team staffing, training, specialist and psychiatric consultation as required
• Performs other duties as assigned

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:

Education

• Masters degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related degree leading to eligibility for independent clinical licensure

Experience

• Minimum of two years of mental health experience under the supervision of a mental health professional required
• Experience providing crisis services preferred

Licensure, Registration, Certification

• Must have or be on track for one of the following WA State licenses:
  • Associate and/or full licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or
  • Agency Affiliated Counselor License
• Recognition as an MHP based on licensure
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Valid Washington State drivers license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities' liability insurance provider

Special Skills

• Education and training in the following areas:

• Psychopathology and psychopharmacology
• Completed DCR Training
• Knowledge of individual and family dynamics, life span development, psychotherapy and family crisis intervention
• Crisis intervention and the assessment of risk, include suicide risk assessment, assessment of danger to others and homicide risk assessment
• Assessment of grave disability, health and safety, cognitive and volitional functions
• Competency with special populations: Chemical dependency, co-occurring disorders, developmental disabilities, ethnic minorities, children and adolescents, older persons, and sexual minorities
• Training in adolescent mental health issues, the mental health civil commitment laws, the criteria for civil commitment, and the systems if care for minors[ (RCW 71.34.805)
• Professional ethics and knowledge of consumer rights
• Petition writing: factors, elements and content
• Clinical/legal/forensic education related to DCR function/knowledge base
• Knowledge of Behavioral Health Care delivery to adults and children
• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes for Acute Crisis Services
• Ability to work with others to accomplish objectives and achieve expected results
• Knowledge of clinical supervision
• Ability to provide strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills for communicating with persons served of all ages and staff
• Recognizes cultural, racial and other issues that impact treatment, relationships and communications
• Integrates that knowledge to work effectively with different cultures
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Uses a strength based approach with staff and promotes 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

Wage: $85,000-$95,000 per year, depending on experience
Sign On Bonus: $20,000-$30,000 depending on experience (paid in 4 installments for total commitment of 51 months)
Relocation: up to $5000
Schedule: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
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.