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How much do designated crisis responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated crisis responder in the United States is $21.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a designated crisis responder?

A Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) is a mental health professional authorized by the state to evaluate individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and determine if involuntary detention is necessary for their safety or the safety of others. DCRs assess people in various settings, such as hospitals, homes, or in the community, and make decisions based on specific legal criteria. Their primary role is to ensure individuals in crisis receive appropriate care, often coordinating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and families during emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a designated crisis responder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Designated Crisis Responder, you need a background in behavioral health, crisis intervention, and assessment, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure (such as LMHC, LICSW, or similar). Familiarity with crisis management protocols, electronic health records (EHRs), and risk assessment tools is essential for effective evaluation and documentation. Strong communication, de-escalation, and cultural competency skills help build trust and facilitate positive outcomes in high-pressure situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring timely, appropriate interventions and maintaining safety for individuals in crisis and the broader community.

What are some common challenges designated crisis responders face during field assessments, and how can they best prepare for them?

Designated Crisis Responders often encounter unpredictable situations, including clients in acute distress or potentially unsafe environments. A key challenge is quickly assessing risk and making decisions under pressure while ensuring personal safety and adhering to legal protocols. Preparation involves thorough training in de-escalation techniques, staying updated on community resources, and collaborating with law enforcement or medical personnel when necessary. Regular team debriefings and ongoing education also help responders maintain resilience and effectiveness in high-stress situations.

What is the difference between Designated Crisis Responder vs Crisis Counselor?

AspectDesignated Crisis ResponderCrisis Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically requires crisis intervention training, certification in mental health or crisis response, and sometimes state-specific credentialsOften requires a mental health degree or certification, such as LPC, LCSW, or similar
Work EnvironmentUsually works in emergency settings, hospitals, or community crisis centers, responding to urgent situationsWorks in mental health clinics, hospitals, or community agencies, providing ongoing support and counseling
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by emergency services, mental health agencies, and hospitals for immediate crisis responseEmployed by mental health organizations, clinics, and community programs for ongoing mental health support

While both roles involve crisis intervention, the Designated Crisis Responder focuses on immediate, urgent response to crises, often in emergency settings, whereas the Crisis Counselor provides ongoing mental health support and counseling in clinical or community environments.

More about Designated Crisis Responder jobs

What cities are hiring for Designated Crisis Responder jobs?

Cities with the most Designated Crisis Responder job openings:

What states have the most Designated Crisis Responder jobs?

States with the most job openings for Designated Crisis Responder jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Designated Crisis Responder jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Designated Crisis Responder jobs are:

Designated Crisis Responder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Designated Crisis Responder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,018 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Designated Crisis Responder

Kitsap Mental Health Services

Bremerton, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Kitsap Mental Health Services rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Designated Crisis Responder-Full Time
Hiring Range: $36.15-$45.19per hour
$10,000 Hiring Bonus & Shift Differentials (Up to $6 if applicable)
Shifts:
Saturday-Tuesday 1200-2230
Benefits:
  • Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage:Enjoy extensive health, dental, and vision benefits to support your well-being, with access to top-tier care and services.
  • Generous Paid Time Off:Take advantage of up to 19 days of paid time off (PTO), plus 2 mental health days and 10 paid holidays in your first year, giving you the time you need to recharge and take care of yourself. (Pro-rated for part-time employees.)
  • Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance:We'vegot you covered with short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, all provided at no cost to you, so you can feel secure in every situation.
  • Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development:Benefit from student loan repayment assistance and a commitment to your growth with extensive training and development opportunities to advance your career.
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan:Take control of your future with awide range of investment optionsin our 403(b) plan. Depending on eligibility, you could also receivegenerous company contributionsto help grow your retirement savings.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP):Access confidential support through ourEAP, offering resources for personal and professional challenges, including counseling, financial advice, and more.
  • Pets Best Pet Insurance:Keep your furry family members healthy withcomprehensive pet insurancefor your cats and dogs, covering a variety of treatments and services.
  • 2MorrowHealth Behavioral Change App:Improve your mental and physical well-being with free access to2MorrowHealth, a powerful app designed to support healthy behavior changes and wellness goals.
  • Home Support Services:Whetheryou'rebuying, selling, or refinancing, we offervaluable resourcesto assist with your home journey, helping you navigate the process with confidence.
  • Dynamic, Collaborative Team Environment:Join an incredible team that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and support, where every voiceis heardand every idea valued.

Kitsap Mental Health Services is hiring a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) to join our Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT).The DCRis criticalin delivering immediate crisis intervention and stabilization services across Kitsap County.You'llwork collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment to conduct clinical assessments, manage crises, and determine involuntary detention under Washington State's Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA). This position emphasizes stabilizing crises in the least restrictive way while ensuring safety and access to care.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Provide crisis outreach services across Kitsap County, including face-to-face (FTF) assessments, hospital interventions, and jail assessments.
  • Conduct investigations under the ITA, adhering to RCW 71.05 and 71.34 guidelines and DCR protocols.
  • Assess client needs, ensuring safety for clients, the community, and yourself during interventions.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, state/local agencies, and client support systems.
  • Perform thorough investigations using all appropriate sources, including witness interviews, medical records, and family input.
  • Ensure crisis resolution through least restrictive alternatives whenever possible.
  • Maintain expert-level knowledge of WA State ITA laws and DCR protocols.
Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION:Master'sDegree in Psychology, social services, or behavioral health field or must meet waiver criteria of RCW 71.24.260.
EXPERIENCE:Specialist (minimum of 3years of job-related experience)
At least five years of experience in direct treatment of persons with mental illness or emotional disturbance, such experience gained under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional.
This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency; therefore, the incumbent mustmeet agency driving requirements, including meeting the minimum age requirement of 21 years old, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver's license in the state of Washington, and havingreliable, insured transportation.
LICENSURE:Must meet and maintain the definition of a Mental Health Professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020.
Performance Requirements:
KNOWLEDGE:
  1. Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in community behavioral health, including health care reform and automation of job tasks using computer technology.
  2. Maintain a working knowledge of behavioral health rehabilitation standards.
  3. Maintain a working knowledge of ITA Law and HIPPA/CFR42, with the ability to maintain confidentiality while working as part of MCOT.
SKILLS:
  1. Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, peers, organizations, and the community.
  2. Communication - Communicates clearly and concisely.
  3. Computer skills - the ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.
  4. Ability to maintain accurate documentation and electronic health records.
ABILITIES:
  1. Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing conflicting demands of being both a peer to individuals in crisis and an employee of the agency. Seek appropriate supervision where necessary.
  1. Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards.
  2. Able to assist in building positive working relationships with staff of all agency departments.
  3. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.
Equipment Operated:Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.
Work Environment: Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods. This positionis performedin office and out in the community. This position is highly mobile and requires the ability to react quickly and perceive environmental stimuli accurately.
*A sign-on bonus is a form of compensation for a new employee in addition to their established salary

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or anyaspect whichmakes someone unique.
Employment Type: Full-Time

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