Behavioral Health Specialist (ANCHOR)

City of Charlottesville•Charlottesville (22902), VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role operates as part of the Charlottesville Co-Responder Team (a mental health crisis response team) comprised of a Firefighter/EMS Provider, a Mental Health Clinician, and a Police Officer. Responds to mental health crisis calls and assists outside agencies with service delivery to the public. Performs responsible professional work in the support and assistance of individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, and/or substance use crisis and assists clients with personal, social, health, and economic needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, human services, or related field AND some experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related challenges.
OR Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, human services or related field AND 2 years of experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related challenges.
OR High School diploma or GED AND 3 years of experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related challenges.
OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a mental health certificate programs, peer support specialist certificate, or related education.
Current QMHP certification in Virginia.
Experience in crisis intervention, emergency response, or co-response models.
Training in Crisis Intervention (CIT), Motivational Interviewing, or similar approaches.
Experience working with diverse and underserved populations, including individuals impacted by homelessness, substance use, or justice involvement.
Familiarity with local behavioral health and community resource systems/services.
Bilingual (Spanish strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

Responds to 911 calls related to behavioral health, mental health, and substance use crises, as part of the ANCHOR co-response team, using people-centered and trauma-informed crisis intervention strategies.
Provides appropriate and competent support to individuals experiencing non-violent, mental and behavioral health crises, substance use crises, Intellectual Developmental Disability crises, or quality of life crises.
Meets with clients to establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship that is person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed.
Engages in de-escalation techniques to support stabilization and reduce risk of harm to individuals and others.
Gathers relevant information and collaborates with team members to support evaluation of individuals in crisis and development of appropriate response strategies.
Follows-up to ensure that connections are made to services and supports based on peer choice and clinician assessment.
Facilitates warm handoffs to other services as needed.
Advocates for individuals in crisis by supporting access to services, reducing barriers to treatment, and promoting appropriate use of community resources.
Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation in accordance with City policies and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Develops and maintains clear, open, and timely communications and working relationships with clients, staff, and partner agencies.
Receives, answers, and transmits radio, telephone, and other means of communication effectively.
Works collaboratively with ANCHOR team members and community partners to support service delivery and assist with developing response plans.
Participate in administrative supervision, case conferences, staff meetings, in-service training, and other staff development activities.
Integrates peer voices in planning, policy, and evaluation conversations.
Participates in community outreach and education efforts related to behavioral health crisis response.
Position is considered essential emergency personnel. This position is required to work during emergency situations and may have regular on-call periods and is subject to be recalled for work at any time.
Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.