Crisis Engagement Specialist

About Delaware Guidance Services

Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. (DGS) is the largest provider of outpatient behavioral health services to children and families in Delaware. As the only statewide not-for-profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO, we operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford. In 2020, we were honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma-informed approach.

Our community-based service lines serve youth and families who require a more intense therapeutic protocol, including our 24-hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) that dispatch skilled crisis intervention clinicians to provide immediate care. Therapeutic options are available for a wide range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and traumatic stress-related disorders. In 2021, DGS clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours to children, youth, and families in Delaware, with over 93% of clients reporting improvement in their level of functioning following treatment.

Our client population is racially and ethnically diverse; 80% of DGS clients are Medicaid recipients and 90% have household incomes under $30,000. Many of our clients present with significant treatment challenges, including learning impacts due to missed school and negative economic impact due to parental missed work. We provide care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay for care. DGS also provides services specifically tailored to meet the unique behavioral health care needs of child welfare-involved families and foster youth.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in coordinating care and providing support to children and youth experiencing crises. This position is responsible for conducting outreach and follow-up to children and families who have engaged with crisis services, with a particular focus on those who decline or disengage.

In this role, you will deliver evidence-based Caring Contacts, reconnect former clients, and foster engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. You will serve as a vital liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that all services are integrated and coordinated effectively. The ideal candidate will be adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive support to at-risk youth in Delaware, helping them navigate systems including insurance, legal, educational, and other social services to ensure holistic support.

Why Work at DGS

DGS strives to build a collaborative, flexible, and client-focused work environment where employee wellness is a top priority. We offer a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package, including generous paid time off starting at 44 days of paid leave a year, up to 6% annual contribution to your retirement fund, and free professional development opportunities. This position also offers the unique opportunity to work with children through a mission-driven organization, with the potential for a signing bonus and incentive pay for specific roles.

Equal Opportunity

Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background and will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work location

Work model: Hybrid

452, Collins Drive, Capitol Green, Dover, Kent County, Delaware, 19901, United States

Dover, Delaware

Key Responsibilities

check_circleImplement the Caring Contacts protocol through phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication to reduce suicide risk
check_circleConduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation
check_circleMaintain contact with former clients to assess ongoing needs and provide appropriate referrals or follow-up
check_circleCoordinate services and follow-up by phone and email to ensure accurate and timely information exchange
check_circleServe as a liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other stakeholders to integrate services
check_circleIdentify community resources and connect families with appropriate services such as mental health counseling and housing
check_circleHelp youth and families navigate systems including insurance, legal, educational, and social services
check_circle

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field
verifiedTwo years of experience in case management, preferably in healthcare, mental health services, or crisis intervention programs
verifiedFamiliarity with Delaware's behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families

Nice to Have

Advanced degree in a related field. Experience working in a 24/7 crisis response program. Bilingual (Spanish-English) language skills.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleGenerous Paid Time Off starting at 44 days of paid leave a yearcheck_circleUp to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fundcheck_circleMedical, Dental and Vision Insurancecheck_circleLife and Long-term Disability InsuranceFree Professional Development Opportunities

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Caring Contacts, Trauma-Informed Care, Bilingual, Spanish.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field required.

Frequently asked questions about Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc.

What does a Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. do?expand_more

In this Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. role, you will implement the caring contacts protocol through phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication to reduce suicide risk; conduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation; maintain contact with former clients to assess ongoing needs and provide appropriate referrals or follow-up; and coordinate services and follow-up by phone and email to ensure accurate and timely information exchange.

What are the requirements for this Crisis Engagement Specialist role?expand_more

Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field; Two years of experience in case management, preferably in healthcare, mental health services, or crisis intervention programs; and Familiarity with Delaware's behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families.

Where is the Crisis Engagement Specialist role at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. located?expand_more

Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. is based in 452, Collins Drive, Capitol Green, Dover, Kent County, Delaware, 19901, United States. This is a hybrid role.

Is this Crisis Engagement Specialist job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. has listed this Crisis Engagement Specialist role as hybrid.

How much experience is required for this Crisis Engagement Specialist role?expand_more

Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Crisis Engagement Specialist role at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc.?expand_more

Key skills for Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. include Case Management; Crisis Intervention; Caring Contacts; Trauma-Informed Care; Bilingual; and Spanish.

What education is required for Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc.?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field required.

What category does the Crisis Engagement Specialist role belong to?expand_more

Crisis Engagement Specialist at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. is part of the social work job category on Recrutus.