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Designated Crisis Responder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crisis Responder

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$19.45 - $20.31/hr

Crisis Responder Must be an Idaho Resident. Work Location - Boise call center Part Time and ... Work closely with designated shift supervisors and collaborate with team members and community ...

THERAPIST DCR

Kennewick, WA ยท On-site

$37.99 - $56.99/hr

What are we looking for in a Therapist / Designated Crisis Responder? This position serves two main functions: therapy and crisis response. During the workday, the Therapist / Designated Crisis ...

THERAPIST DCR

Kennewick, WA ยท On-site

$37.99 - $56.99/hr

What are we looking for in a Therapist / Designated Crisis Responder? This position serves two main functions: therapy and crisis response. During the workday, the Therapist / Designated Crisis ...

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Othello, WA ยท On-site

$87 - $105/hr

Providing clinical Individual and Group Supervision of mental health staff, functioning as a Designated Crisis Responder, and performing investigation for involuntary detentions, as well as carrying ...

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Designated Crisis Responder information

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$9

$21

$38

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:

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.

After Hours- On Call- Crisis Responder

AUNT MARTHAS HEALTH AND WELLNESS INC

Danville, IL โ€ข On-site

$50 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to crisis referrals from police, hospitals, and schools by phone within 15 minutes and arrive on-site within 60 minutes (urban) or 90 minutes (rural).

  • Provide in-person crisis intervention services to youth, including crisis stabilization, safety planning, and facilitating family reunification or short-term placement.

  • Document all crisis activity in CareLogic within two hours of response and coordinate referrals and resource linkages based on youth and family needs.


Job description

Position Title: After Hours Crisis Responder

Division: Integrated Community Based Services (ICBS)
Department: Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)
Reports To: After-Hours Crisis Supervisor Openings- 2 for each location 
Location: Kankakee and Danville


SUMMARY

The After Hours Crisis Responder provides immediate, in-person crisis intervention services to youth who are runaways, locked out, unable to safely return home, or in circumstances posing substantial or immediate danger. The goal is crisis stabilization, safety planning, diversion from juvenile justice involvement, and support in reunification or short-term placement when needed.

This role requires strong judgment, calm decision-making, and the ability to respond effectively in fast-moving, high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism, empathy, and adherence to agency protocols.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Respond to referring sources (police, hospitals, schools, etc.) by phone within 15 minutes and arrive on-site within 60 minutes (urban) or 90 minutes (rural).

  • Serve as the designated crisis responder for LAN regions including Kankakee, Vermillion, Will/Grundy, Kane/Kendall, and South & West Cook.

  • Complete the Crisis Intervention Intake Packet during each crisis encounter.

  • Document all crisis activity in CareLogic within two hours of response.

  • Facilitate family reunification, family-generated placement, or short-term agency placement as appropriate.

  • Obtain approval from the After-Hours Crisis Supervisor before any placement occurs.

  • Provide linkages, referrals, and resource coordination based on youth and family needs.

  • Remain accessible by cell phone throughout scheduled shifts.

  • Submit mileage, time sheets, and required documentation per agency protocols.

  • Participate in individual and group supervision, team meetings, and program meetings.

  • Follow Illinois mandated reporting requirements.

  • Complete all Federal, DHS, Agency Core Curriculum, and Mandated Reporter trainings.

  • Provide services to program clients throughout the full on-call shift.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned.


TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE EXPECTATIONS

All services are grounded in a trauma-informed framework emphasizing:

  • Safety

  • Self-Regulation

  • Supportiveness

  • Strengths-Based Engagement

  • Self-Care

Additionally incorporates the 7 Essential Ingredients (7ei): Prevalence, Impact, Perspective Shift, Regulation, Relationship, Reason to Be, and Caregiver Capacity.


QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/BSW) required.

  • Experience working with at-risk youth preferred.

Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to read and interpret case notes, treatment plans, and protocols.

  • Strong writing and documentation skills.

  • Effective in one-on-one and small group communication.

  • Basic math skills (fractions, decimals, percentages).

  • Ability to problem-solve in non-standardized, fast-paced situations.

  • Understanding of Aunt Martha’s PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) improvement model.

Other Requirements
  • Must be available for evenings, weekends, and flexible on-call scheduling.

  • Must transport clients using a personal vehicle.

  • Must maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license and automobile insurance.

  • Ability to accept and integrate feedback.


CLIENT POPULATIONS SERVED

May include:

  • Runaways / Lockouts

  • Youth experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness

  • Pregnant/parenting youth

  • Youth with cognitive delays or mental health needs

  • Youth exhibiting physical, verbal, or sexual aggression

  • Delinquency-involved youth

  • Individuals with physical disabilities

Ages Served: 0–21+


PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Regular sitting, standing, walking, speaking, and hearing.

  • Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

  • Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.

  • Requires adequate vision for assessment and documentation.


WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Field-based role with frequent travel to crisis locations.

  • Occasional exposure to outdoor and variable conditions.

  • Moderate noise levels.


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • On-Call / Per-Event Compensation: 

    • The rates range between $50 - $120 per shift 

  • Shifts/Hours- 

    • Weekdays (5:00 PM – 8:00 AM):

    • Weekends (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM): 

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Disability & Life Insurance

  • Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays

  • Retirement Plan

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Employee Discounts on services such as cell phones, restaurants, and more


5:00p – 8:00a WeekDays
8:00a – 8:00p Weekends