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. We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford, and we are the only statewide not-for-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.

Through DGS, clients and families have access to outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and school-based services. Our community-based service lines serve youth and families who require a more intense therapeutic protocol. DGS' 24-hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) dispatches skilled crisis intervention clinicians to provide immediate care to children experiencing behavioral health crises. Therapeutic options are available for 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 to children, youth, and families in Delaware. Over 93% of clients report improvement in their level of functioning following treatment, and therapeutic benefits derived from trauma-informed care extend to clients' siblings, caregivers, classmates, and peers.

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

Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?

DGS strives to build a collaborative, flexible, and client-focused work environment. Employee wellness is a top priority. In addition to offering flexible work arrangements, DGS offers a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package including the following :

• 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 :

Summary / objective

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. The role includes delivering evidence-based Caring Contacts, reconnecting former clients, coordinating care, and fostering engagement through compassionate, proactive communication. The ideal candidate will have experience working in crisis management, case management, or child / youth services, and will be adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive support to at-risk youth in Delaware.

Essential functions :

Caring Contacts and Crisis Reconnects

Client Engagement and Follow-Up

System Engagement and Resource Coordination

Documentation and Reporting :

Competencies / Capabilities :

Supervisory responsibilities : none

Work environment : Office based, Partial telecommuting with approval

Physical demands :

Travel required : schools, client homes, community agencies, etc.

Minimum qualifications :

Preferred qualifications :

EEO :

Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Other duties :

Please note 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.

10am-6pm