Designated Crisis Responder - South Kitsap

Kitsap Mental Health Services; Port Orchard (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Student loan assistance

Professional development

403(b) plan

Employee assistance program

Pet insurance

Wellness app

Home support resources

Collaborative team

Job summary

Kitsap Mental Health Services is recruiting a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) for the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. The role requires crisis intervention, clinical assessments, and ITA determinations in Kitsap County.

The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment to stabilize crises, collaborate with law enforcement and medical professionals, and ensure safety and access to care through least restrictive means.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health required or waiver criteria RCW 71.24.260.
• Specialist with minimum 3 years of job-related experience; at least five years in direct treatment of mental illness or emotional disturbance under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis outreach services across Kitsap County, including face-to-face assessments, hospital interventions, and jail assessments.
• Conduct investigations under the ITA, adhering to RCW 71.05 and 71.34 guidelines and DCR protocols.
• Assess client needs, ensuring safety for clients, the community, and yourself during interventions.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, state/local agencies, and client support systems.
• Perform thorough investigations using witnesses, medical records, and family input.
• Ensure crisis resolution through least restrictive alternatives whenever possible.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of WA State ITA laws and DCR protocols.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Documentation

Education

Master's Degree in Psychology / Social Services / Behavioral Health

RCW 71.24.260 waiver criteria

Job description

Designated Crisis Responder - Full Time

Hiring Range: $36.15 - $44.73 per hour

$10,000 Hiring Bonus & Shift Differentials (Up to $6 if applicable)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage: Enjoy extensive health, dental, and vision benefits to support your well-being, with access to top-tier care and services.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Take advantage of up to 19 days of paid time off (PTO), plus 2 mental health days and 10 paid holidays in your first year, giving you the time you need to recharge and take care of yourself. (Pro-rated for part-time employees.)
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance: We've got you covered with short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, all provided at no cost to you, so you can feel secure in every situation.
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development: Benefit from student loan repayment assistance and a commitment to your growth with extensive training and development opportunities to advance your career.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Take control of your future with a wide range of investment options in our 403(b) plan. Depending on eligibility, you could also receive generous company contributions to help grow your retirement savings.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access confidential support through our EAP, offering resources for personal and professional challenges, including counseling, financial advice, and more.
• Pets Best Pet Insurance: Keep your furry family members healthy with comprehensive pet insurance for your cats and dogs, covering a variety of treatments and services.
• 2MorrowHealth Behavioral Change App: Improve your mental and physical well-being with free access to 2MorrowHealth, a powerful app designed to support healthy behavior changes and wellness goals.
• Home Support Services: Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, we offer valuable resources to assist with your home journey, helping you navigate the process with confidence.
• Dynamic, Collaborative Team Environment: Join an incredible team that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and support, where every voice is heard and every idea valued.

Kitsap Mental Health Services is hiring a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) to join our Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT). The DCR is critical in delivering immediate crisis intervention and stabilization services across Kitsap County. You'll work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment to conduct clinical assessments, manage crises, and determine involuntary detention under Washington State's Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA). This position emphasizes stabilizing crises in the least restrictive way while ensuring safety and access to care.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis outreach services across Kitsap County, including face-to-face (FTF) assessments, hospital interventions, and jail assessments.
• Conduct investigations under the ITA, adhering to RCW 71.05 and 71.34 guidelines and DCR protocols.
• Assess client needs, ensuring safety for clients, the community, and yourself during interventions.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, state/local agencies, and client support systems.
• Perform thorough investigations using all appropriate sources, including witness interviews, medical records, and family input.
• Ensure crisis resolution through least restrictive alternatives whenever possible.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of WA State ITA laws and DCR protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: Master's Degree in Psychology, social services, or behavioral health field or must meet waiver criteria of RCW 71.24.260.

EXPERIENCE: Specialist (minimum of 3 years of job-related experience)

At least five years of experience in direct treatment of persons with mental illness or emotional disturbance, this experience gained under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional.

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency; therefore, the incumbent must meet agency driving requirements, including meeting the minimum age requirement of 21 years old, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Must meet and maintain the definition of a Mental Health Professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020.

Performance Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community behavioral health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
• Maintain a working knowledge of behavioral health rehabilitation standards.
• Maintain a working knowledge of ITA Law and HIPPA/CFR42, with the ability to maintain confidentiality while working as part of MCOT.

SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, peers, organizations, and the community.
• Communication - Communicates clearly and concisely.
• Computer skills - the ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and electronic health records.

ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing conflicting demands of being both a peer to individuals in crisis and an employee of the agency. Seek appropriate supervision where necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards.
• Able to assist in building positive working relationships with staff of all agency departments.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.

Equipment Operated:

Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment:

Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods. This position is performed in office and out in the community. This position is highly mobile and requires the ability to react quickly and perceive environmental stimuli accurately.

• A sign-on bonus is a form of compensation for a new employee in addition to their established salary.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.