Designated Crisis Responder

Designated Crisis Responder/Therapist
- Behavioral Health - Goldendale, WA.

- Full-time, Non‑Exempt. Grade 69, Step 1‑5, $31.44 to $35.39/Hr, DOQ, Open until Filled.

Under direct supervision of the Behavioral Health Manager, the Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) provides intervention and support to individuals who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The DCR takes calls requesting crisis services and travels to locations identified by the program management to conduct crisis assessments, determine the level of treatment needed to stabilize the situation, and arrange for hospital placement or outpatient treatment as appropriate.

The goal is to stabilize the crisis using the least restrictive setting possible while ensuring the safety of the individual in crisis and the community. This role requires close collaboration with emergency responders, law enforcement, and other community partners to coordinate care. The DCR position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively as well as independently, with varied workdays and creativity to resolve problems.

It has a fixed weekly schedule of three 12‑hour shifts and four hours of administrative time each week for a total of 40 hours. Shifts may include days, evenings, overnights, weekdays, and weekends.

Education: Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of two years of clinical experience is required. Must be eligible for registration as an Agency‑Affiliated Counselor or have an active association or full license as LMHC, LICSW, or another related license.

• Knowledge of evidence‑based theories, principles, and practices for evaluating and treating persons exhibiting social, emotional, and/or behavioral difficulties.
• Knowledge of DSM and American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.
• Knowledge of case management/community support criteria and the ability to produce and maintain accurate and consistent records of each case, including all federal, state, and county rules and regulations required by Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), and contractual obligations.
• Proficient use of standard office equipment including computers, copiers, fax machines, and current computer software such as Excel and Word.
• Skill in record‑keeping and case management.
• Skill in operating office equipment used to provide necessary information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and working knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations as they pertain to mental health and chemical dependency records.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, staff, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and remain flexible in crisis situations.

• Submission of criminal background check as required by Washington State Law.
• Washington State Licensure through the Department of Health or capability of obtaining licensure within six months of employment.
• Documented completion of continuing education on an annual basis to maintain certification and licensure as applicable.
• Valid state driver’s license in state of residence.