Designated Crisis Responder (DCR), Involuntary Commitment Specialist

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Sur place; USD 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

King County's Behavioral Health and Recovery Division seeks up to 10 Designated Crisis Responders (DCR). Positions include one part-time and the rest full-time to investigate potential dangerous mental health crises and involuntary detention eligibility under RCW 71.05/71.34.

Travel to diverse locations is required, including high-access areas and shelters, with 24/7 response capabilities. Responsibilities include legal filings, coordination with prosecutors/public defenders, and testimony when

Qualifications

• Must hold or obtain Washington State MHP credential within 90 days of hire.
• At least two years of direct evaluation and treatment experience.
• Must pass King County Jail clearances and background checks.
• Must be able to safely access diverse residences in King County.
• Knowledge of RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34 and related WACs.

Responsabilités

• Collaborate with community partners to evaluate and plan disposition for patients.
• Determine statutory custody requirements and involuntary hospitalization under RCW 71.05/71.34.
• Assess crisis level, coordinate with law enforcement, and coordinate treatment agencies.

Connaissances

Crisis intervention

Legal knowledge (RCW 71.05/71.34)

MS Word

Outlook

Electronic record systems

Washington Driver's License

Formation

Master’s degree in Behavioral Science or related field

Outils

MS Word

Outlook

Electronic record systems

Description du poste

Summary

King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.

Position Overview

Our Behavioral Health and Recovery Division is looking to hire up to 10 career service Designated Crisis Responders (DCR), one being part-time (28.5 hours per week), and the rest full-time. The responsibilities of the DCR includes investigating cases of adults and juveniles believed to have a behavioral health disorder and to be a danger to themselves, others, property and/or who are gravely disabled. Incumbents determine whether these persons should be involuntarily detained for treatment under RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34 and coordinate cases through the legal system. The DCR team provides investigation services for involuntary detention on a 24-hour-a-day basis and must be able to meet with and interview patients in a variety of physical locations with difficult access, such as apartments on upper floors with no elevator service, alleys, parks, homeless camps and under bridges. Incumbents must also be able to anticipate and respond to threats by potentially hostile or violent patients.

Crisis and Commitment Services unit's mission is to provide quality care, and to protect public safety while maintaining individual rights by attempting to resolve the crisis in the least restrictive manner.

Job Duties

• Work collaboratively with community partners (i.e. hospital, evaluation and treatment facility, law enforcement, court, families, witnesses, etc.) to assist in evaluation and disposition plan for patients.
• Make a legal decision as to whether an individual meets the statutorily requirements to be taken into custody and involuntarily hospitalized under RCW 71.05 and 71.34.
• Determine nature and level of crisis, provide crisis intervention, assess credibility of witnesses, coordinate with law enforcement and treatment agencies, and determine if statutory requirements are met.
• Ensure proper preparation and filing of legal papers, prepare declarations, serve subpoenas and notice of hearings, consult with King County Prosecuting Attorney and public defender, testify in court if needed. If the DCR testimony is necessary to proceed in court hearing, may be required to be available to the court on scheduled time off.
• Maintain all aspects of case file in a timely manner and communicate with colleagues to ensure efficiency and completeness of record.
• Advocate for patients to obtain appropriate treatment and continuity of care. Provide assistance in finding less-restrictive alternatives to involuntary detention.
• Educate patients’ families, service agencies and the community regarding clinical issues, legal issues and treatment alternatives.
• Participate in training new colleagues in the field, when so assigned, as mutually agreed to by supervisor and training employee.
• Provide shadowing opportunities for community partners approved by management to shadow the DCR, as long as it does not impede with safety.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Must meet and maintain the definition of a Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC 246-341-0515. Within 90 days of hire, you must meet and maintain a Washington State Department of Health credential that satisfies the definition of MHP in good standing, or termination of probation will occur.
• At least two (2) years of relevant experience with direct evaluation and treatment of persons with mental illness.
• Must be able to pass initial and all subsequent King County Jail clearances.
• Be physically able to safely enter and rapidly exit residences throughout King County.
• Proficiency using MS Word, Outlook, and the Internet with the ability to learn electronic record systems.
• Participate in annual safety training and all required trainings.
• Maintain a valid, unencumbered Washington State Driver's License.
• Knowledge of RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34 and related WACs and the legal process of detention and commitment.
• Knowledge of social services network and programs/resources offering alternatives to involuntary detention.
• Knowledge and experience in direct treatment of people living with behavioral health disorders.
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills.

Please Note

• Possession of a valid unencumbered Washington State Driver’s License.
• Provide a current and satisfactory abstract of your complete driving record for the last five years.
• Ability to pass a post-offer/pre-employment physical examination.
• Ability to pass a Washington State Patrol Background Check on a post-offer/pre-employment basis.
• Provide proof of a Master’s degree in Behavioral Science, Nursing Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university, including unofficial transcript(s) and a copy of degree.

Additional Position Information

• This position has been designated Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and