Crisis Intervention Specialist II

Dhss/Samh•Dover, DE

About The Position

The Crisis Intervention Specialist II works with clients experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and substance use issues, both through a 24-hour hotline and in the community. The role provides individual and crisis counseling, conducts assessments, and monitors psychiatric symptoms. The incumbent works with an interdisciplinary team, consumers and consumer partners, and external agencies to support person-centered recovery goals. Individuals hired into this role perform duties as Credentialed Mental Health Screeners. This is an essential-personnel position with rotating shifts, including days, evenings, and overnights, as well as weekends and holidays. The incumbent must report to work during weather events and states of emergency. The position is with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in behavioral science, social science, or a related field.
Credentialed Mental Health Screener (CMHS) through the State of Delaware, or eligibility to obtain the credential.
Three years of case management experience, including assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet individual human-service needs, using effective counseling or interviewing techniques and resources such as service plans or case management systems.
Two years of experience providing crisis intervention services, clinical treatment, or counseling to individuals with behavioral health concerns and/or diagnoses.
Must obtain, maintain, and renew the CMHS certification every two years as required by the State of Delaware.
Must report to work during states of emergency and work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Satisfactory criminal background check required as a condition of hire.
Pre-employment drug testing required after a conditional offer.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Deliver acute crisis intervention services, review cases, initiate care, and determine appropriate clinical responses in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.
Participate on a crisis team by answering hotline calls, assessing walk-ins on site, and providing mobile crisis response in the community, including interactions with local law enforcement and other agencies.
Conduct rapid mental health screenings and evaluations of people experiencing acute behavioral health crises.
Use de-escalation techniques and appropriate interventions while maintaining the safety of individuals served, staff, and the community.
Provide guidance, consultation, and education about crisis interventions, client and family needs, challenges, and available resources.
Recommend continuing care after a crisis is stabilized, provide follow-up support and monitoring, and make referrals to mental health, substance use treatment, or other services.
Advocate for clients and families, protect their rights, and obtain consent for treatment, releases of information, and other necessary forms.
Complete continuing education and obtain and maintain the Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener credential.
Prepare accurate case summaries and reports documenting cases, interventions, and relevant information in compliance with state and federal requirements.
Use automated information systems and computer software to research, review, analyze, document, and report health and human services information.
May participate in community projects and outreach, including providing mental health support during and after community or statewide disasters.
Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, abilities, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
Perform other related duties as required.