Summary/objective
Under the supervision of the Crisis Program Manager, the Crisis Bed Therapist is responsible for providing clinical behavioral health services to clients in the Crisis Bed Program and will carry a small outpatient caseload.
This position will provide individual, group, and family therapy for youth admitted to the Crisis Bed Program with a wide variety of psychological and emotional problems (ie. aggressive and defiant behavior due to problems with emotion regulation, suicidal/homicidal ideation, plans, or attempts, family conflicts, etc.) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients in a Crisis Bed setting.
The incumbent is responsible for clinical consultation to Mental Health Technicians, Crisis Bed Shift Supervisors and Crisis Bed Coordinator.
They are dedicated and committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate, and therapeutic client care.
In addition, the incumbent is responsible for documentation of clinical and case management services provided from intake through discharge.
Essential functions
Clinical Role in Crisis Bed Setting
Collaborate closely with Crisis Bed Coordinator to ensure highest clinical standards are maintained
Conduct psychosocial assessments to document client history and identify preliminary issues for treatment focus by interviewing the client and their family members.
Provide individual, group, and family therapy in addition to crisis intervention using various treatment modalities
Develop and coordinate an individualized discharge plan for the client by utilizing the treatment team, determine aftercare needs, identify and assess family and community resources, and provide referrals as needed
Conduct risk assessments to determine appropriate level of care
Apply knowledge related to developmental factors, family, and community systems to participate in the development and implementation of a person-centered treatment plan
Deliver solution-focused and trauma-informed clinical interventions to maintain safety, build skills, and address problem solving, communication, and relationship conflicts
Use critical thinking and risk management skills when connecting with clients in Crisis Bed
Understand warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide risk and risk of harm to others
Maintain professional, trauma-informed, and empathetic interactions during interactions with children, families, and stakeholders
Develop comprehensive skills providing support for children and youth in Crisis Bed
Review and sign clinical documentation from Mental Health Technicians, Crisis Bed Shift Supervisors and Crisis Bed Coordinator
Functional Role in Crisis Bed Setting
- Responsible for implementing and monitoring the Clinical needs of Crisis Bed program including identifying areas for training and growth
- Work respectfully and cooperatively together as a unified team member in a professional manner with other Crisis Bed staff, families, and community members
Functional Role in Crisis Bed Setting
- Engages and collaborates with community resources, make appropriate referrals, and consult with other agencies on behalf of clients
- Collaborates with school staff regarding behavioral health services for students
- Complete required documentation for clinical records within established timeframes.
- Participates in scheduled supervision with the direct People Leader
- Maintains active status licensure with respective State of Delaware Division of
Professional Regulation
General Responsibilities
- Uphold professional standards of treatment and the mission of the organization
- Maintain a quality code of conduct, ethics and professionalism
- Provide goal-directed and team-oriented services
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all stakeholders
- Assure compliance with all policies and procedures and licensing regulations
- Must successfully complete all agency required training within30 days of employment and maintain timely applicable certification
- Must successfully complete refresher trainings within the identified timeframes
Competencies/ Capabilities
- Crisis Intervention and Risk Assessment
- Knowledge and application of therapeutic interventions
- Clinical Judgment/decision making/problem solving
- Effective Practice Management
- Adaptability/continuous improvement
Supervisory responsibilities: none
Work environment: Lewes, DE
Physical Demands
- This position involves physical interventions, including the potential use of holds, and may require the ability to lift, carry, and assist clients as needed. The successful candidate must be physically capable of responding to challenging situations in a safe and controlled manner
- Frequent walking, standing, twisting, bending, squatting
- Proficient auditory and visual skills
Travel required: Travel for specific tasks
Schedule
- 8-hour shift
- Monday-Friday
Minimum qualification
- Master’s Degree which qualifies for licensure in the state of Delaware as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), License Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist.
- Possess Delaware Clinical Licensure (social work, psychology, counseling)
- Minimum of two years of relevant full-time post graduate experience
Preferred qualification
- Experience working in an in patient or residential/group home setting
- Bilingual
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.
About Delaware Guidance Services
DGS is the largest non-profit provider of outpatient behavioral health services for children and families in Delaware, and the only statewide organization of its kind continuously accredited by The Joint Commission since 1999. Our vision for Delaware—resilient families nurturing children’s well‑being—flows from our mission to provide high‑quality, trauma‑informed therapeutic services that strengthen social, emotional, and behavioral wellness.
Each year, DGS serves an average of 3,500 children and youth through a clinically excellent continuum of care that includes outpatient therapy, community‑based services, school‑based supports, mobile crisis response, and short‑term youth crisis stabilization. Our clinical lines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, ensuring that children and families have access to timely, flexible, and culturally responsive care wherever it is needed—at home, in school, in the community, or at one of our five office locations across Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford.
If you would to learn more about Delaware Guidance Services, please go to https://www.delawareguidance.org/about/  [https://www.delawareguidance.org/about/];
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
- Generous benefits and time off policies
- Ability to work with children through a mission driven organization
