Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist

City of Mount Vernon•Wa, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision of the Outreach Supervisor, the Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist provides outreach to individuals facing behavioral, housing, financial, legal and social service challenges. Team members engage directly with people in crisis and responds with police, fire and EMS Personnel to deescalate situations and connect individuals to care instead of criminal justice actions. Work hours may include variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Graduate degree in Social Work or closely related field and two (2) years of professional experience in counseling and treating persons under the influence of controlled substances, intoxication and/or experiencing mental illness preferred OR and equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Knowledge of Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Knowledge of General office policies, procedures, and equipment.
Knowledge of Applicable local, State, and regional resources and programs.
Knowledge of Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
Knowledge of Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Behavioral health conditions.
Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) guidelines.
Knowledge of Assessment and social casework techniques.
Knowledge of Conflict resolution principles and practices.
Knowledge of Principles, beliefs, and objectives for effective social service programming.
Knowledge of De-escalation and problem-solving techniques.
Knowledge of Interviewing and counseling practices and techniques relevant to the population served.
Knowledge of Special needs of homeless populations.
Knowledge of Presentation of mental illness related behaviors and appropriate clinical interventions.
Knowledge of Symptoms, common behavioral and social characteristics, and other manifestations of disabilities affecting the population served and appropriate techniques for providing a continuum of care.
Skill in Understanding and applying motivational interviewing practices.
Skill in Applying assessment and social casework techniques.
Skill in Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
Skill in Observing, evaluating, and interpreting behaviors.
Skill in Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
Skill in Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
Skill in Recognizing presentation of mental illness related behaviors and determining appropriate clinical interventions.
Skill in Preparing and presenting reports and making presentations to various audiences.
Skill in Maintaining composure in stressful situations.
Skill in Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Skill in Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
Skill in Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
Skill in Establishing and maintaining rapport with the population served.
Skill in Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
Skill in Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
Skill in Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
Skill in Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
Skill in Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

SUDP certification preferred.
Licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops individualized care plans, coordinate with clinical providers and advocate for lasting solutions to promote dignity, safety and stability for those in need.
Respond to 911 calls involving individuals experiencing homelessness or behavioral health challenges when safety risks to responders are minimal
Engages individuals that are displaying behavioral health conditions such as intoxication, or crisis behaviors; assess safety and stabilization needs.
Responds to service requests from police, fire, EMS, other first responders, or community members; provide alternative to arrest or hospitalization by linking individuals to appropriate services.
Builds and maintain strong working relationships with local service providers, including behavioral health treatment centers, crisis services, housing and veteran’s programs, and justice partners.
Serves as a liaison among city departments, community organizations, and service networks to enhance collaborative community response.
Prepares detailed reports, correspondence, and data tracking related to outreach and case management activities.
Provides education and training to first responders and community groups on behavioral health conditions and engagement strategies.
May attend and testify at court hearings and other legal proceedings.
Develop DSM-based clinical assessments and treatment plans to facilitate appropriate referrals.
Participate in system planning, outreach initiatives, and the development of best practices for community-based intervention.
Create opportunities for, and participate in, community events with those engaged in our services.
Provide transportation service for individuals when safe to do so and it’s necessary as part of linking to services or their continuing care plan.
Maintain strict professional ethics, confidentiality, and boundaries while demonstrating cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Maintain records of individuals served, services provided, case management activities conducted.
Provide detailed reports, correspondence, and data tracking related to outreach and case management activities.
Consult with team members, IOS Supervisor and other agency professionals on people with complicated issues.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Prepare court affidavits for involuntary related client holds and/or behavioral health evaluations.
Assist police officers or Designated Crisis Responders constructing affidavits or related legal processes that are intended to restrict actions based on behavioral health circumstances.
Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and mental health evaluations and Substance use Disorder (SUDs) assessments consistent with licensure.
Provide clinical supervision to Supervise MSW interns as assigned.