Designated Crisis Responder

Sea Mar Community Health Centers•Vancouver, WA

3d•$85,696 - $96,408

About The Position

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is seeking a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) to serve Clark County, Washington. The DCR conducts comprehensive clinical investigations and assesses people experiencing acute behavioral health crises, making independent determinations about appropriate treatment interventions under Washington State’s Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA). The role provides opportunities to develop specialized clinical skills, exercise professional judgment, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and support the safety and well-being of people experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Sea Mar emphasizes dignity, recovery, safety, and the least restrictive appropriate interventions. The position involves work in hospitals, community settings, correctional facilities, and other locations throughout Clark County. It is full-time and salaried, with annual compensation determined by assigned shift: $85,696 for day shift, $89,980.80 for weekend shift, and $96,408 for evening shift. Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a social or behavioral science field, or qualification as a registered nurse.
Possess or meet eligibility requirements for recognition as a Mental Health Professional (MHP) or an applicable Washington State Department of Health affiliate or associate-level license.
Meet applicable Washington State requirements for appointment and designation as a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR).
Demonstrate strong clinical assessment, critical-thinking, communication, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-acuity behavioral health environments.
Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented care.
Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills; ability to develop confidence in making independent, evidence-informed decisions.
Composure and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Effective communication and collaboration skills.
Compassion, cultural humility, and professional integrity.
Commitment to individual rights, recovery-oriented care, and least restrictive appropriate interventions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in behavioral health crisis intervention, emergency psychiatric services, or community mental health.
Familiarity with Washington State’s Involuntary Treatment Act (RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34).
Experience conducting behavioral health assessments, suicide risk assessments, or crisis evaluations.
Experience supporting individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders.
Experience collaborating with hospitals, law enforcement, courts, or community behavioral health providers.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive behavioral health crisis investigations in hospitals, community settings, correctional facilities, and other locations throughout Clark County.
Evaluate individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use-related crises.
Assess risk of harm to self, harm to others, and grave disability.
Determine whether individuals meet statutory criteria for involuntary treatment under Washington State law.
Identify voluntary treatment options and less restrictive alternatives when clinically appropriate.
Collaborate with hospitals, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and community behavioral health providers.
Prepare clinical assessments, legal documentation, and supporting evidence.
Participate in court proceedings and provide testimony when required.
Advocate for individual rights, safety, and access to appropriate behavioral health services.