Designated Crisis Responder; DCR), Involuntary Commitment Specialist

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

Our Behavioral Health and Recovery Division is looking to hire up to 10 career service Designated Crisis Responders (DCR). 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.

To be considered minimally qualified, applicants must demonstrate a background that provides the knowledge, skill and ability to:

• 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.

• Must meet and maintain the definition of a Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC . 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…