Designated Crisis Responder

Snohomish County; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Snohomish County Human Services seeks a qualified clinician to join the crisis team. The role involves evaluating individuals in behavioral health crises and arranging voluntary and involuntary hospitalization when needed.

You will work independently on a dynamic team with varied evening and weekend shifts. Applicants should have a master’s degree in a related field, two years of direct treatment experience, and a valid license (LMHC, LMSW, or LMFT).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing or related field required.
• Two years of direct treatment experience for mentally ill clients or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid and current licensure as LMHC, LMSW, or LMFT required; must pass job-related tests.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and evaluations for involuntary commitment and initiate detention when criteria are met.
• Assess behavioral health emergencies and provide crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with hospitals, emergency departments, psychiatrists, and community agencies to ensure best outcomes.
• Provide ongoing community education regarding crisis services and involuntary treatment.
• Coordinate admissions and transportation with hospitals when necessary.
• Support ITA Court processes and provide information to prosecutors and others in the judicial system; provide court testimony as needed.
• Maintain thorough records and files for all program activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Emergency Assessment

Record Keeping

Education

Master's degree in social work, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing or related field

Job description

Join our Snohomish County Human Services Team!

Purpose:

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.

AboutHumanServices:

Human Service Department mission is to help all person meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community. The Human Services Department includes 350+ diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful lob, but a life-long career at Snohomish County.

Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Snohomish County Human Services strives to be an equitable and trauma-informed department. Our department believes every interaction, procedure, and policy provides an opportunity to build a pathway toward a more resilient and restorative Snohomish County.

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

To conduct investigations for involuntary mental health and substance use treatment under RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Conducts investigations and evaluations of individuals for involuntary commitment and initiates detention when legal criteria are met and commitment is appropriate.
2. Assesses behavioral health emergencies and provides crisis intervention to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis in the community.
3. 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.
4. Provides ongoing community education regarding crisis services and involuntary treatment.
5. Contacts appropriate hospitals to coordinate admissions, provide screening information, and arrange transportation when necessary.
6. 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.
7. Maintains required records and files for all program activities.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Knowledge of:

• abnormal human behavior, symptomatology and treatment modalities ofbehavioral 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
• diagnosebehavioral disorders and determine need formental health or substance use disorderservices
• 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.
EEO policy and ADA notice