DCR

$85,000 - $95,000/Yr

Catholic Charities Yakima - Yakima, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Yakima, WA

About the position

This position will have responsibility for providing direct crisis evaluation and Crisis Intervention in the delivery of acute crisis services provided by Catholic Charities. The Crisis Outreach Professional will provide clinical services, specialist consultation to other Mobile Crisis team members (as applicable) in addition to fulfilling the duties of a Crisis Outreach Professional/Designated Mental Health Professional. The Mental Health Professional (MHP) and Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) are members of the Crisis Outreach Team that provides crisis outreach services to individuals experiencing acute emotional distress and/or mental health crisis, with the goal to stabilize the individual in the least restrictive setting possible. DCR's provide evaluations under the Involuntary Treatment Act to include both mental health and substance abuse. The MHP and DCR Mental Health Crisis Outreach team member Professionals utilize crisis intervention techniques to facilitate diversion from hospitalization through individual stabilization in the community whenever possible. The MHP/DCR assesses the individuals risk to self, others or property. In the event an individual requires an evaluation to determine if there is a need for detention under the Involuntary Treatment Act due to the presence of a grave disability, the MHP contacts the DCR for assistance. All Crisis Outreach Professionals engage in assessing the community and family resources available to manage the individual in the least restrictive setting possible and engage in developing plans with the individual and family that are appropriate to the individuals needs and circumstances. The MHP and DCR formulate appropriate clinical decisions based upon assessment data, and interact with the medical community and others in the community to develop and implement community based treatment options to stabilize/maintain stability.

Responsibilities

• Provides crisis and intake assessments
• Diagnosis, ongoing brief community support services
• Case Management in a culturally competent manner within the most appropriate environment
• As an initial responder the MHP utilizes crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, and assesses the need to contact the DCR if the situation cannot be adequately resolved
• The DCR will further assess the need for community based individual stabilization by accurately assessing risk to self, others or property and the presence of a grave disability, formulates and implements appropriate clinical decisions based upon assessment data.
• Develops an appropriate plan of treatment supporting recovery concepts by incorporating the individuals/familys strengths, barriers and needs into the plan components
• Documents clear problem statement and treatment goals/objectives in an individuals own voice
• Formulates measurable, achievable goals and objectives, in collaboration with the individual
• Triaging telephone calls, meeting with walk in clients, and/or working with individuals in the Hospital Diversion or Stabilization units, as assigned
• Works with hospital liaison, Outpatient staff and PACT team members as well as other professionals in the community to coordinate care in relationship to the individuals mental health needs
• Communicates with internal and external interdisciplinary team members to facilitate good clinical management of individuals with serious mental illness and coordinates treatment with other providers
• Facilitates linkages to medical providers or other community resources when appropriate
• Works closely with community agencies including law enforcement, Child Protective Services, hospitals, jails and community physicians to coordinate care and arrange for client's treatment.
• Gathers information from callers/informants, recording information, and providing assessment at the individuals location in the community or arranging assessment at the most appropriate location.
• Uses CareLogic Electronic Health Record (EHR), as required
• Meets established timelines when making authorized entries in the medical record
• Follows procedures for release of information, maintains complete and accurate concise records and reports.
• Applies integrated summary data to the formulation of age/disability family engagement when indicated, cultural, natural supports, co-occurring and, specific goals and objectives, as appropriate.
• Documents clear problem statement and treatment goals/objectives in a clients own voice and oriented to language that is understandable and meets clinical documentation standards.
• Formulates measurable, achievable goals and objectives in collaboration with the individual
• Discharge Plan includes the reason for discharge, anticipated need for continued care, treatment and services after discharge, and community resources or referrals
• Works to understand others on the team and is a cooperative team member who willingly helps others perform related jobs
• Identifies and prioritizes issues and concerns that need resolution. Includes others in the decision making process when appropriate to make independent, effective decisions using available information.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and educates individuals on matters requiring informed consent.
• Coordinates with agency or community treatment providers with whom the client is engaged to ensure follow up after a crisis episode requiring intervention.
• Follows the agency's Mental Health guidelines and procedures when working with individuals served in the crisis system.
• Communicates in a professional manner that promotes team work, dignity and a respectful environment.
• Creates and retains positive relationships and promotes trust and respect
• Participates in supervision, multi-disciplinary team staffing, training, specialist and psychiatric consultation as required
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Masters degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or one of the social sciences, required
• Minimum of two years of Mental Health experience under the provision of Crisis Services and under the supervision of a mental health professional
• Education and training in the following areas: Psychopathology and psychopharmacology
• Completed DCR Training
• Knowledge of individual and family dynamics, life span development, psychotherapy and family crisis intervention
• Crisis intervention and the assessment of risk, include suicide risk assessment, assessment of danger to others and homicide risk assessment
• Assessment of grave disability, health and safety, cognitive and volitional functions
• Competency with special populations: Chemical dependency, co-occurring disorders, developmental disabilities, ethnic minorities, children and adolescents, older persons, and sexual minorities
• Training in adolescent mental health issues, the mental health civil commitment laws, the criteria for civil commitment, and the systems if care for minors
• Professional ethics and knowledge of consumer rights
• Petition writing: factors, elements and content
• Clinical/legal/forensic education related to DCR function/knowledge base
• Knowledge of Behavioral Health Care delivery to adults and children
• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes for Acute Crisis Services
• Ability to work with others to accomplish objectives and achieve expected results
• Knowledge of clinical supervision
• Ability to provide strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills for communicating with persons served of all ages and staff
• Recognizes cultural, racial and other issues that impact treatment, relationships and communications
• Integrates that knowledge to work effectively with different cultures
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Uses a strength based approach with staff and promotes a positive work environment
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community

Nice-to-haves

• Must have or be on track for one of the following WA State licenses: Associate and/or full licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Agency Affiliated Counselor License
• Recognition as an MHP based on licensure
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Valid Washington State drivers license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities' liability insurance provider

Benefits

• Medical/Dental
• FSA
• 403(b) Retirement
• Additional Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation/Sick Leave
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity awards