Designated Crisis Responder

Snohomish County, WA; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

Commuting Benefits

EAP

Job summary

Snohomish County Human Services is seeking a qualified professional to join its crisis team, evaluating individuals in behavioral health crises and arranging voluntary/involuntary hospitalization as needed. The role emphasizes independent work on a supportive team with non-traditional hours.

The position involves collaboration with hospitals, emergency departments and other agencies to ensure the best outcomes, while maintaining confidentiality and complying with HIPAA.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing or related field.
• Plus two years of direct treatment experience with mentally ill clients.
• Valid and current license as LMHC, LSW or LMFT.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and evaluations for involuntary commitment.
• Assess behavioral health emergencies and provide crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with hospitals, emergency departments and referral sources to ensure outcomes.
• Provide crisis services information and arrange admissions when needed.
• Maintain records and contribute to court processes as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Assessment

Collaboration

Record-keeping

HIPAA compliance

Education

Master's degree in social work or related field

Job description

Join our Snohomish County Human Services Team!

Snohomish County Human Services is seeking an individual to join our dynamic crisis team. It is our mission to provide excellent behavioral health crisis services to all citizens in Snohomish County, including involuntary behavioral health treatment if needed. We strive to provide the most appropriate services in a timely manner, consider all less restrictive and safe options, and see ourselves as advocates while protecting the safety of the community and the individual we are evaluating.

Hours of work may vary based on team/staffing needs. We anticipate shift hours starting around 4pm-4:30am and on a regular monthly schedule.

About You

You have a deep desire to help people on a very difficult day in their life. You enjoy new challenges and never knowing what your workday brings. You enjoy working independently on a supportive team and don’t need an 8-5 schedule. You are interested in the law and in safeguarding individual rights while assuring the safety of the community and the individual you are working with.

Position Purpose

Evaluate individuals of all ages who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis and determine what services meet their needs. Arrange for voluntary and involuntary hospitalization as needed.

Job Duties

• Conducts investigations and evaluations of individuals for involuntary commitment and initiates detention when legal criteria are met and commitment is appropriate.
• Assesses behavioral health emergencies and provides crisis intervention to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis in the community.
• Works collaboratively with behavioral health agencies, psychiatrists, emergency departments, inpatient units, residential programs, and other referral sources to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals needing behavioral health services.
• Provides ongoing community education regarding crisis services and involuntary treatment.
• Contacts appropriate hospitals to coordinate admissions, provide screening information, and arrange transportation when necessary.
• Participates in the ITA Court process and supplies relevant information to prosecuting attorneys and others authorized through the judicial system. Provides court testimony as needed.
• Maintains required records and files for all program activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in social work, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing or related field; PLUS, two (2) years of experience in the direct treatment of mentally ill clients; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities. PLUS, a valid and current license as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Must pass job related tests.

Special Requirements

A valid State of Washington Driver's License is required for employment.

Additional Requirement

Due to a potential conflict of interest any secondary employment within the behavioral health field needs to be approved by the employer.

Knowledge And Abilities

• abnormal human behavior, symptomatology and treatment modalities of behavioral disorders
• counseling techniques and methods
• available community resources
• legal parameters and procedures concerning commitments

Ability To

• respond effectively in crisis situations
• engage effectively with individuals experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis to determine the most appropriate behavioral health services
• gather and analyze pertinent history and data
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff of state and local hospitals, staff and officials of community organizations, associates and the general public
• diagnose behavioral disorders and determine need for mental health or substance use disorder services
• maintain detailed records and prepare clear, concise written reports
• maintain confidentiality and work within HIPAA parameters

SUPERVISION

Employees report to the Involuntary Treatment Supervisor or other administrative superior as assigned. Employees work independently on specific assignments which are completed in accordance with established guidelines, practices and regulations. Work is reviewed through meetings, status reports and results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The majority of the work involves site visits to residences, hospitals, mental health agencies and detention facilities. Some work is performed in the usual office environment. The employee may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays to provide 24 hour a day, 7 day coverage.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these monthly premiums for medical insurance. The County pays the monthly premiums for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay pro-rated monthly premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County's ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Guide to learn more.

Please reach out to Joeann Turck at [e-mail] with any questions regarding this job posting.