Behavioral Health Specialist

PMHCC•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Mobile Behavioral Health Crisis Specialist (MBHCS) works as part of Philadelphia’s Behavioral Health Alternative Response Unit (ARU-3), a collaboration involving the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health division, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services, and the Criminal Justice Division of the Managing Director’s Office. ARU-3 provides community-based alternatives for behavioral health calls and special-population involuntary commitment situations, with the goals of improving behavioral healthcare outcomes, reducing community trauma, and providing strength-based, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive services. The MBHCS works with individuals and their community supports to assess and de-escalate crises, identify an appropriate level of care, develop alternatives to involuntary hospitalization, and coordinate community care with ARU-3 members. The specialist serves as a liaison to community agencies for clients who are clinically complex, high-risk, or require multiple services. The role may involve emergency crisis intervention with high-risk individuals, including people who are suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic, with the aim of stabilization and safe community-based treatment. The MBHCS consults with ARU-3 colleagues about referrals to psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or hospital emergency departments. The team’s primary goal is to improve individuals’ quality of life by linking them with treatment, rehabilitation, and support services that promote wellness, recovery, integration, and community safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.
Five years of experience, with a strong emphasis on behavioral health and crisis work.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, likely including nontraditional morning or evening hours and potential evenings; weekends are required.
Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and agencies.
Integrity, stability, creativity, and negotiation skills.
Knowledge of community-based resources in Philadelphia.
Familiarity with DSM-V and ASAM criteria.
Knowledge of basic medical and psychiatric terminology.
Knowledge of the process for filing a 302 and its required documentation.
Willingness to accept training and additional certifications as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of substance use, crisis response, and field experience.
Bilingual skills are strongly recommended but not required.

Responsibilities

Engage community members who are at risk of presenting for psychiatric admission.
Collaborate with partners to improve behavioral health outcomes for people in the community.
Focus on low-acuity 911 calls and 302 means of transport for special populations, including children, pregnant people, and geriatric individuals.
Conduct behavioral health assessments for de-escalation when needed during encounters.
Discuss possible interventions for individuals and families with other ARU-3 members.
Connect individuals with behavioral health resources and follow up on recommended services.
Coordinate linkage to behavioral health, medical, and social services.
Work in the community with PFD Emergency Medical Services when dispatched, including riding in PFD vehicles with PFD personnel.
Complete documentation for follow-up and data collection.
Help individuals and family members navigate the systems involved in addressing behavioral health needs.
Work with multi-agency partners and report to a unified command structure.
Maintain current knowledge of available resources and appropriate evidence-based practices.
Collaborate with hospitals, emergency rooms, and crisis response centers to support continuity of care and warm handoffs.
Provide outreach, engagement, and assessment to individuals identified by ARU-3 as needing services.
Remain physically mobile to conduct community outreach and engage individuals and families.
Help stabilize and resolve crises while working under pressure in challenging situations.