Designated Crisis Responder

002 Sea Mar Community Health Center; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) and retirement options

Paid time off 24 days + 10 holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is seeking a compassionate behavioral health professional to join the Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) team serving Clark County, WA. You will conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, determine appropriate treatment interventions, and work with multidisciplinary partners to ensure safe, recovery-oriented care.

The role emphasizes independent clinical judgment, collaboration, and compliance with Washington State ITA, with a strong commitment to dignity and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social or behavioral science or RN eligibility.
• Eligibility for recognition as Mental Health Professional (MHP) or WA DOH affiliate license.
• LMHCAs/LMFTAs/LSWAs encouraged to apply.
• Ability to work independently in high-acuity behavioral health settings.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health crisis investigations in hospitals, community settings, and Clark County.
• Evaluate individuals in acute mental health or substance use crises.
• Assess risk of harm to self, others, or grave disability.
• Determine involuntary treatment eligibility under WA state law.
• Identify voluntary treatment options and less restrictive alternatives.
• Collaborate with hospitals, law enforcement, EMS, and community providers.
• Prepare clinical assessments, legal docs, and supporting evidence.
• Provide testimony in required court proceedings.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Critical thinking

Independent decision-making

Communication

Cultural humility

Trauma-informed care

Education

Master’s degree in social/behavioral science or RN

Job description

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services.

We are recruiting for the following position: Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST Sea Mar Community Health Centers | Clark County, Washington Full-Time · Salaried | Job Requisition JR101747 ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $85,696.00 – $96,408.00 Shift-Based Compensation Shift Annual Salary Day Shift $85,696.00 Weekend Shift $89,980.80 Evening Shift $96,408.00 Compensation is determined by assigned shift.

Your Clinical Expertise. Your Judgment. Your Impact.

Are you a behavioral health professional looking to advance your clinical skills while making a meaningful impact in your community? Sea Mar Community Health Centers is seeking compassionate, motivated behavioral health professionals to join our Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) team serving Clark County, Washington. As a DCR, you will conduct comprehensive clinical investigations, assess individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises, and make independent determinations regarding appropriate treatment interventions under Washington State’s Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA). This position offers opportunities to develop specialized clinical skills, exercise professional judgment, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and support the safety and well-being of people experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Our approach emphasizes individual dignity, recovery, safety, and the least restrictive appropriate interventions.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health crisis investigations in hospitals, community settings, correctional facilities, and other locations throughout Clark County.
• Evaluate individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use-related crises.
• Assess risk of harm to self, harm to others, and grave disability.
• Determine whether individuals meet statutory criteria for involuntary treatment under Washington State law.
• Identify voluntary treatment options and less restrictive alternatives when clinically appropriate.
• Collaborate with hospitals, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and community behavioral health providers.
• Prepare clinical assessments, legal documentation, and supporting evidence.
• Participate in court proceedings and provide testimony when required.
• Advocate for individual rights, safety, and access to appropriate behavioral health services.

Who We’re Looking For

• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
• The ability to develop confidence in making independent, evidence-informed decisions.
• Composure and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Compassion, cultural humility, and professional integrity.
• Commitment to individual rights, recovery-oriented care, and least restrictive appropriate interventions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a social or behavioral science field, or qualification as a registered nurse.
• Possess or meet eligibility requirements for recognition as a Mental Health Professional (MHP) or an applicable Washington State Department of Health affiliate or associate-level license.
• Associate-level clinicians, including Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCAs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associates (LMFTAs), and Licensed Social Worker Associates (LSWAICs or LSWAs), are encouraged to apply.
• Meet applicable Washington State requirements for appointment and designation as a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR).
• Demonstrate strong clinical assessment, critical-thinking, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-acuity behavioral health environments.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral health crisis intervention, emergency psychiatric services, or community mental health.
• Familiarity with Washington State’s Involuntary Treatment Act (RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34).
• Experience conducting behavioral health assessments, suicide risk assessments, or crisis evaluations.
• Experience supporting individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Experience collaborating with hospitals, law enforcement, courts, or community behavioral health providers.

We welcome applications from qualified associate-level clinicians and professionals eligible for MHP recognition or an applicable affiliate license. Previous DCR designation is not required, provided candidates meet applicable eligibility requirements and successfully complete the designation process.

Why Join the Sea Mar DCR Team?

• Meaningful Work Help individuals and families navigate complex behavioral health crises while supporting safety, dignity, and access to care.
• Professional Autonomy Develop and apply advanced clinical assessment skills and independent decision-making.
• Collaborative Environment Work alongside behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Professional Growth Build expertise in crisis assessment, behavioral health law, clinical investigation, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Comprehensive Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance; prescription coverage.

Life insurance and long-term disability coverage. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 24 days of paid time off annually, plus 10 paid holidays. 401(k) and retirement options. Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

About Sea Mar Community Health Centers

Founded in 1978, Sea Mar Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to accessible, comprehensive, and culturally responsive healthcare throughout Washington State. With more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics, Sea Mar serves individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, regardless of ability to pay.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

If you’re ready for a role combining independent decision-making, community collaboration, and meaningful service, we encourage you to apply. Join the Sea Mar DCR Team and help strengthen behavioral health crisis response in Clark County.

Clark County, Washington | $85,696.00 – $96,408.00 annually Sea Mar Community Health Centers is an equal opportunity employer. Salary - Salary Plan, 85,696.00 USD Annual What We Offer: Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of: Medical Dental Vision Prescription coverage Life Insurance Long Term Disability EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays. We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment. Sea Mar is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org. You may also apply thru our Career page at this link.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons regardless of their ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 clinics.