Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc.
Crisis Engagement Specialist
Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc., Dover, Delaware, United States, 19904
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. We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford and are the only statewide not‑for‑profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. DGS offers outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent‑child interaction therapy, and school‑based services. Our mobile response and stabilization services (MRSS) dispatch crisis clinicians statewide. Therapeutic options span a wide range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress‑related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, DGS clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours. Our client population is racially and ethnically diverse; 80% are Medicaid recipients and 90% have household incomes under $30,000. We serve anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and offer services specifically tailored to child welfare‑involved families and foster youth. Benefits
Competitive Compensation Incentive Pay for Specific Roles Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year) Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund Free Professional Development Opportunities Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Life and Long‑term Disability Insurance Position Highlights
Generous benefits and time off policies Ability to work with children through a mission‑driven organization Signing Bonus Eligible Summary/Objective
Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist coordinates care and provides support to children and youth experiencing crises. The role involves outreach and follow‑up to families who have engaged with crisis services, especially those who decline or disengage; it also delivers evidence‑based Caring Contacts, reconnects former clients, and fosters engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. Ideal candidates have experience in crisis management, case management, or child/youth services and can collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support at‑risk youth in Delaware. Essential Functions
Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
Implement the Caring Contacts protocol via phone, mailers, and electronic communication to reduce suicide risk. Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post‑treatment. Client Engagement and Follow‑Up
Conduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services. Maintain contact with former clients and families to assess ongoing needs and provide referrals or follow‑up. Serve as a point of contact for post‑discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and supporting client wellness. System Engagement and Resource Coordination
Collaborate with internal and external providers to support client care plans and address immediate needs. Coordinate services and follow‑up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange. Assist in scheduling follow‑up appointments or connecting families with ongoing mental health support. Serve as a liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other stakeholders to integrate services effectively. Advocate for the needs of youth and families within the program and with external agencies. Identify community resources and support services such as mental health counseling, housing, and educational support. Help youth and families navigate systems, including insurance, legal, educational, and other social services. Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all client interactions and collateral follow‑ups. Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, including documentation of progress, barriers, and recommendations. Competencies/Capabilities
Crisis Management – assess and manage urgent, high‑stress situations while providing emotional support. Collaboration – strong teamwork and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders. Problem Solving – think critically and find solutions quickly in complex, time‑sensitive situations. Communication – excellent verbal and written communication skills. Empathy and Compassion – compassionate approach to children and families in crisis, understanding trauma and mental health issues. Cultural Competency – respect and serve diverse youth and families in a culturally sensitive manner. Physical Demands
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically. Travel Required
Schools, client homes, community agencies, etc. Minimum Qualifications
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. Familiarity with Delaware’s behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families. Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field. Experience working in a 24/7 crisis response program. Bilingual (Spanish‑English) language skills are a plus. Equal Opportunity Employer
Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment Details
Hours: 10am-6pm. Seniority level: Entry level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Other Industries: Mental Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. (DGS) is the largest provider of outpatient behavioral health services to children and families in Delaware. We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford and are the only statewide not‑for‑profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. DGS offers outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent‑child interaction therapy, and school‑based services. Our mobile response and stabilization services (MRSS) dispatch crisis clinicians statewide. Therapeutic options span a wide range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress‑related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, DGS clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours. Our client population is racially and ethnically diverse; 80% are Medicaid recipients and 90% have household incomes under $30,000. We serve anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and offer services specifically tailored to child welfare‑involved families and foster youth. Benefits
Competitive Compensation Incentive Pay for Specific Roles Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year) Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund Free Professional Development Opportunities Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Life and Long‑term Disability Insurance Position Highlights
Generous benefits and time off policies Ability to work with children through a mission‑driven organization Signing Bonus Eligible Summary/Objective
Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist coordinates care and provides support to children and youth experiencing crises. The role involves outreach and follow‑up to families who have engaged with crisis services, especially those who decline or disengage; it also delivers evidence‑based Caring Contacts, reconnects former clients, and fosters engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. Ideal candidates have experience in crisis management, case management, or child/youth services and can collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support at‑risk youth in Delaware. Essential Functions
Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
Implement the Caring Contacts protocol via phone, mailers, and electronic communication to reduce suicide risk. Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post‑treatment. Client Engagement and Follow‑Up
Conduct outreach to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services. Maintain contact with former clients and families to assess ongoing needs and provide referrals or follow‑up. Serve as a point of contact for post‑discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and supporting client wellness. System Engagement and Resource Coordination
Collaborate with internal and external providers to support client care plans and address immediate needs. Coordinate services and follow‑up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange. Assist in scheduling follow‑up appointments or connecting families with ongoing mental health support. Serve as a liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other stakeholders to integrate services effectively. Advocate for the needs of youth and families within the program and with external agencies. Identify community resources and support services such as mental health counseling, housing, and educational support. Help youth and families navigate systems, including insurance, legal, educational, and other social services. Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all client interactions and collateral follow‑ups. Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, including documentation of progress, barriers, and recommendations. Competencies/Capabilities
Crisis Management – assess and manage urgent, high‑stress situations while providing emotional support. Collaboration – strong teamwork and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders. Problem Solving – think critically and find solutions quickly in complex, time‑sensitive situations. Communication – excellent verbal and written communication skills. Empathy and Compassion – compassionate approach to children and families in crisis, understanding trauma and mental health issues. Cultural Competency – respect and serve diverse youth and families in a culturally sensitive manner. Physical Demands
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically. Travel Required
Schools, client homes, community agencies, etc. Minimum Qualifications
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. Familiarity with Delaware’s behavioral health systems, state regulations, and community resources for children and families. Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field. Experience working in a 24/7 crisis response program. Bilingual (Spanish‑English) language skills are a plus. Equal Opportunity Employer
Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment Details
Hours: 10am-6pm. Seniority level: Entry level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Other Industries: Mental Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr