BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services (PHSS) is recruiting for a Behavioral Health Specialist for our Community Health Division. The Parent Child Health Program at PHSS aims to reduce health inequalities and improve public health by providing underserved and vulnerable populations with high-quality, trauma-informed resources. As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you will be responsible for independently providing professional behavioral health services, working in collaboration with the Parent Child Health team and clients to address mental and emotional concerns. In this role, you will also provide crisis and behavioral health assessments, case management, personalized treatment plans, and critical counseling and intervention during initial psychosocial assessments to address immediate concerns such as homelessness, lack of food, chemical addiction, and family violence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field and two (2) years of relevant experience. Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work may be considered.
• Depending upon the area of assignment, a specialized certification or accreditation may be required of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to work with low-income clients, alternative lifestyles, and individuals facing crises related to pregnancy and/or parenting.
• Washington State Driver’s License or have an appropriate accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling psychology, or related field
• Licensure (associate or full) as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, mental health professional, licensed mental health counselor and/or mental health specialist, or related credential
• Demonstrated application of psychological, sociological, and psychiatric theories in practice
• Knowledge and experience in direct treatment of mental/behavioral health issues
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices within a regulatory environment
• Proven empathetic approach and skills that will help foster trust and build connections with those who require assistance, ensuring they feel understood and valued
• Understanding of community behavioral health, addiction concepts, case management, and treatment services
• Experience with behavioral health evaluations, assessments, and treatment
• Experience in developing case plans with clients, considering economic, social, cultural, physical, and environmental factors
• Strong crisis management skills in de-escalating tense situations and promoting a safe environment while maintaining a level-headed and composed demeanor
• Skill in aiding people in crisis to engage with services
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills when problem-solving
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple clients, cases, and demands while organizing and managing workloads efficiently and effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse individuals and communities, and collaborate with agencies to achieve service goals or treatment plan objectives
• Skill in detecting the signs, symptoms, and behaviors of depression, neurodivergence, mental illness, other behavioral health issues, and substance use
• Understanding of child development principles and child-rearing methods, including functional and dysfunctional family dynamics
• Knowledge of abuse and neglect indicators, including sexual, emotional, and physical abuse in children and vulnerable adults
• Ability to demonstrate effective verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in operating a computer with standard and specialized software
• Ability to comply with information management and client confidentiality requirements
• Knowledge of public mental health systems, veterans’ mental health systems, the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA), and other related social service providers

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral health services in the areas of behavioral management and health, working independently to manage a caseload, assess crises and/or behavioral health issues, and monitor treatments and interventions following regulations and protocols
• Evaluate, assess, counsel, treat, and monitor multiple clients, delivering professional behavioral health care
• Establish client relationships, assess service needs, make referrals as necessary, and coordinate or obtain care with other agencies
• Apply a broad range of therapeutic supports to individuals, families, and groups, and oversee the development and delivery of treatment services
• Perform crisis intervention, assessment, and evaluation
• Organize, coordinate, and occasionally audit behavioral health medical records, applying established policies, procedures, and protocols
• Complete thorough and timely documentation of treatment services in compliance with all Department policies and procedures
• Participate in regular staff meetings and case conferencing
• Perform other work as required or assigned, including, but not limited to, a 24/7 response during public health emergency situations and disease outbreak investigations

Benefits

• retirement plan
• pre-tax savings accounts
• comprehensive health care
• dental care
• vision care
• paid vacation
• paid holidays
• deferred compensation plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level