Behavioral Health Specialist I, Crisis Team - Swing Shift

Deschutes County Human Resources•Bend, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Deschutes County Behavioral Health is hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist I to join a multidisciplinary team serving individuals and families in crisis. The position provides case management and support to people seeking crisis services at the Deschutes County Stabilization Center, including high-risk children and adults who may need hospital, residential, or respite care. Services include phone outreach, welfare checks, de-escalation, post-crisis support, assistance with basic needs, and help securing crisis placements. The specialist also conducts phone and in-person crisis screenings and referrals, comprehensive crisis assessments, and crisis interventions in consultation with a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). The role coordinates with community partners, including law enforcement, hospitals, dispatch, QMHPs, and other agencies, and responds with a QMHP to community-based crisis calls. It also provides mental health and case management care to individuals admitted to the respite unit and coordinates with the crisis team to support continuity of care at a 24-hour facility. The position works throughout Deschutes County. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. A 4/10 schedule may be considered based on operational needs, and schedule details can be discussed during the interview. Flexible scheduling may be necessary to meet client and department needs. The position is union-represented and eligible for a 7.5% swing-shift differential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience providing the required skills and knowledge.
Knowledge of or experience with general concepts of mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, and community resources.
Well-developed human relations, interviewing, and writing skills.
Knowledge of general concepts of crisis and risk assessments.
Good time management skills and adaptability.
Ability to maintain composure under stress and pressure.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients and their families, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently.
Ability to prepare reports and document client services in a timely and professional manner.
Ability to demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
Meet applicable MHACBO registration and/or certification requirements for Qualified Mental Health Associates within 14 days of hire.
Possess or be able to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Pass required pre-employment criminal history, driving history, and controlled-substance screening, and receive final approval from the State Background Check Unit/Orchards.
Be willing to work a flexible schedule when necessary to meet client and department needs.
Have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County, including in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous work with people with behavioral health issues, providing case management and/or skills training.
Knowledge of crisis and emergency resources.
Experience with electronic health records and clinical documentation.
Substance abuse training, experience, and/or certification.
Experience working with people with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI).
Experience working in medical settings or medical knowledge.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis assessments and services to individuals and families in the community.
Provide mental health and case management care to individuals admitted to the respite unit.
Coordinate care with community partners for people receiving crisis services.
Coordinate with the crisis team to provide seamless care at a 24-hour facility.
Respond with a QMHP to community-based crisis calls.
Provide case management services, including phone outreach, welfare checks, de-escalation, post-crisis support, assistance with basic needs, and support securing crisis placements.
Conduct phone and face-to-face crisis screenings and referrals, comprehensive crisis assessments, and crisis interventions in consultation with a QMHP.
Triage and coordinate with law enforcement, hospitals, dispatch, QMHPs, and other community agencies.

Benefits

Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, with stated monthly employee contributions.
On-site clinic and pharmacy.
Wellness and wellbeing services.
Life insurance.
Retirement through PERS.
Paid time off, starting at 14–18 hours per month and prorated for part-time employees.
Paid holidays.
Professional development opportunities.
7.5% swing-shift differential.
MHACBO registration/certification fees paid by DCHS for qualifying selected candidates.