Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc.
Crisis Engagement Specialist
Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc., Newark, Delaware, United States, 19711
DGS – Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc.
Crisis Engagement Specialist
– full‑time. Base pay range:
$38,000 – $41,000 per year .
About DGS
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. The organization is the only statewide not‑profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. In 2020, we were honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma‑informed approach.
Clients and families receive outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent‑child interaction therapy, and school‑based services. Our mobile 24‑hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) dispatch skilled crisis intervention clinicians for immediate care to children experiencing behavioral health crises. Therapies address depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress‑related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours. More than 93% of clients report improvements. Our population is diverse: 80% Medicaid recipients, 90% with household incomes under $30,000. We serve all, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, and provide services tailored to child‑welfare‑involved families and foster youth.
Why Work at DGS?
Competitive compensation
Incentive pay for specific roles
Generous paid time off (starting at 44 days per year)
Up to 6% annual contribution to 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
Mission‑driven work with children
Signing bonus eligible
Summary/Objectives
Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist coordinates care and supports children and youth experiencing crises. The role conducts outreach and follow‑up to children and families who have engaged with crisis services, especially those who decline or disengage. Responsibilities include delivering evidence‑based Caring Contacts, reconnecting former clients, coordinating care, and fostering engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. The ideal candidate has experience in crisis management, case management, or child/youth services, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support at‑risk youth.
Essential Functions
Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
Implement the Caring Contacts protocol via phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication to reduce suicide risk.
Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post‑treatment.
Client Engagement and Follow‑Up
Reach out to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation.
Maintain contact to assess ongoing needs and provide referrals or follow‑up.
Serve as the point of contact for post‑discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and client wellness.
System Engagement and Resource Coordination
Collaborate with internal and external service providers to support client care plans and referrals.
Coordinate services and follow‑up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange.
Assist scheduling follow‑up appointments or connect families with ongoing mental health support.
Act as liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other stakeholders.
Advocate for youth and families' needs within the program and external agencies.
Identify and connect families to community resources such as counseling, housing, education, etc.
Help families navigate insurance, legal, educational, and other social services.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date client interaction records and follow‑ups per program policies and state regulations.
Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, documenting progress, barriers, and recommendations.
Competencies / Capabilities
Crisis Management – assess and manage urgent situations while providing 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 skills.
Empathy and Compassion – compassionate approach to working with children and families.
Cultural Competency – respect and adapt services for diverse youth and families.
Supervisory Responsibilities
– none.
Work Environment
– Office based, partial telecommuting with approval.
Physical Demands
Prolonged sitting and computer use.
May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically.
Travel Required
– schools, client homes, community agencies.
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 in a 24/7 crisis response program.
Bilingual (Spanish‑English) language skills.
EEO Statement
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 exhaustive. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.
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– full‑time. Base pay range:
$38,000 – $41,000 per year .
About DGS
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. The organization is the only statewide not‑profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. In 2020, we were honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma‑informed approach.
Clients and families receive outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent‑child interaction therapy, and school‑based services. Our mobile 24‑hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) dispatch skilled crisis intervention clinicians for immediate care to children experiencing behavioral health crises. Therapies address depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress‑related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours. More than 93% of clients report improvements. Our population is diverse: 80% Medicaid recipients, 90% with household incomes under $30,000. We serve all, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, and provide services tailored to child‑welfare‑involved families and foster youth.
Why Work at DGS?
Competitive compensation
Incentive pay for specific roles
Generous paid time off (starting at 44 days per year)
Up to 6% annual contribution to 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
Mission‑driven work with children
Signing bonus eligible
Summary/Objectives
Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist coordinates care and supports children and youth experiencing crises. The role conducts outreach and follow‑up to children and families who have engaged with crisis services, especially those who decline or disengage. Responsibilities include delivering evidence‑based Caring Contacts, reconnecting former clients, coordinating care, and fostering engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. The ideal candidate has experience in crisis management, case management, or child/youth services, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support at‑risk youth.
Essential Functions
Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects
Implement the Caring Contacts protocol via phone calls, mailers, and electronic communication to reduce suicide risk.
Make supportive outreach to discharged clients at designated intervals post‑treatment.
Client Engagement and Follow‑Up
Reach out to children and families who decline or disengage from crisis services to encourage participation.
Maintain contact to assess ongoing needs and provide referrals or follow‑up.
Serve as the point of contact for post‑discharge engagement, ensuring continuity of care and client wellness.
System Engagement and Resource Coordination
Collaborate with internal and external service providers to support client care plans and referrals.
Coordinate services and follow‑up by phone and email, ensuring accurate and timely information exchange.
Assist scheduling follow‑up appointments or connect families with ongoing mental health support.
Act as liaison between the crisis program, community agencies, schools, and other stakeholders.
Advocate for youth and families' needs within the program and external agencies.
Identify and connect families to community resources such as counseling, housing, education, etc.
Help families navigate insurance, legal, educational, and other social services.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date client interaction records and follow‑ups per program policies and state regulations.
Prepare and submit regular case updates and reports, documenting progress, barriers, and recommendations.
Competencies / Capabilities
Crisis Management – assess and manage urgent situations while providing 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 skills.
Empathy and Compassion – compassionate approach to working with children and families.
Cultural Competency – respect and adapt services for diverse youth and families.
Supervisory Responsibilities
– none.
Work Environment
– Office based, partial telecommuting with approval.
Physical Demands
Prolonged sitting and computer use.
May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically.
Travel Required
– schools, client homes, community agencies.
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 in a 24/7 crisis response program.
Bilingual (Spanish‑English) language skills.
EEO Statement
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 exhaustive. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.
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