Make a Difference with DHSS
Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.
We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.
For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!
The incumbent in this position will be working with clients suffering from severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse issues both on a 24-hour hotline, and in the community. Responsibilities include: individual counseling, crisis counseling and assessments, and monitoring client psychiatric symptoms. The incumbent will consult with an interdisciplinary team, the consumer, consumer partners, and external agencies as necessary to promote person-centered recovery goals. The incumbent is considered essential personnel and must report to work in a state of emergency, while working a rotating schedule.
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.
This class works rotating shifts (days, evenings, and overnights), weekends, and holidays to meet the operational needs of the program. These positions are designated as Essential Personnel and is required to report to work regardless of weather or State of Emergency.
- Delivers acute crisis intervention services, reviewing each case to initiate care and determine the appropriate clinical response, in compliance with agency, state, and federal, laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.
- Participates as a member of a crisis team answering crisis hot-line calls, performing on-site assessments for walk-ins, and providing mobile crisis response in the community which includes unknown and unpredictable situations; interacts with local law enforcement or other related agencies.
- Conducts rapid mental health screening and evaluations of patients, clients, family members, and/or any other individuals experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis.
- Uses de-escalation techniques and takes appropriate action/intervention while maintaining the safety of individuals served, crisis staff, and the community.
- Provides guidance, consultation, and education on crisis interventions, client/family needs and challenges, available resources, and other related matters; and promotes positive interactions among family members.
- Makes recommendations to ensure a continuum of care after the initial crisis is stabilized, provides follow-up support and monitoring, and completes referrals to mental health and/or substance use treatment facilities or other services.
- Advocates for clients and families in the protection of rights; obtains consent for treatment, Releases of Information, and other necessary forms.
- Completes continuing education to remain current on crisis intervention and response methods, techniques, and best practices. This includes becoming a Delaware Credentialed Mental Health Screener (DE-CMHS) and completing necessary continuing education to maintain this credential.
- Prepares and submits summaries and reports that clearly and accurately document each case, resulting action/intervention, and other relevant information in compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Uses automated information systems and computer software to research, review, analyze, document, and report on health/human services information.
- May participate in community projects and community outreach including providing mental health support during and following a community or statewide disaster.
- Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
- Performs other related duties as required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Crisis Intervention Specialist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree or higher in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
- One year of experience in case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual’s human service needs using effective counseling or interviewing techniques as well as other available resources such as service plans or case management systems.
- One year of experience in providing crisis intervention services, clinical treatment, counseling, or determining eligibility for services or benefits as part of a treatment team.
- One year of experience in narrative report writing.
Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.
A writing sample will be requested at the time of interview.
This posting may be closed on or before (09/4/2026) upon filling the vacant position(s).
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.
DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email [email protected] for additional applicant services support.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
