Community Resources and Services Specialist (Limited Term)

City of San Luis Obispo•San Luis Obispo, CA

71d

About The Position

The Fire Department has a need for a limited-term Community Resources and Services Specialist. The term of this position is anticipated to last through June 2026. JOB SUMMARY: Provides case management, advocacy, support, and referrals to community members experiencing homelessness and/or mental health crises; assesses and evaluates the needs of individuals referred to or contacted by the City of San Luis Obispo's Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) and/or Community Action Team (CAT) and connects them with needed services; develops collaborative relationships with regional partners and service providers to create accountability and to advocate for expanded service capacity; develops and leads the Crisis Intervention Training program for the City. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: Positions in this journey-level paraprofessional classification receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents primarily work in the field as part of a two-person team to address mental health crises and non-emergency medical issues. Incumbents in this classification are not law enforcement officers, licensed mental health clinicians, or clinical social workers, but they work alongside a Firefighter or Police Officer to address mental health crises and non-emergency medical issues.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Deputy Fire Chief, Deputy Police Chief, or other management personnel.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Principles and methods of mental health case management, particularly as related to assessment and ongoing client needs.
Techniques for interacting with and assisting adults with mental health struggles.
Basic medical and psychiatric terminology.
Community resources and service agencies.
Standard recordkeeping and filing practices, and the processing and maintenance of required documentation.
Standard office administrative practices and procedures.
Basic principles of training and instruction.
Teambuilding and working in a team with a diverse group of individuals.
First aid and CPR.
Business English, including vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Computer applications related to the work, including basic word processing and basic spreadsheet applications.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to clients, the public, and City staff, in person, in writing, and over the telephone.
Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Safety procedures related to the work.
Ability to: Engage in relationships that are respectful, caring, collaborative, and inclusive so as to be responsive to the needs of community members served, the public, and City staff.
Assess ongoing case management needs for those with mental health struggles.
Develop effective client care plans for unhoused community members.
Perform crisis intervention, respond to emergency situations, and take effective action.
Provide support to a variety of unhoused and mentally ill clients.
Commit to the right and ability of persons with mental illnesses to live in a safe environment, develop a meaningful role in the community, have access to competent and continuous support and services, and make their own choices.
Document detailed histories and maintain accurate records and files.
Prepare clear and concise records, correspondence, and other written materials.
Exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform tasks.
Interpret and implement changing protocols, policies, and procedures as related to the mobile crisis unit.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Work in a team atmosphere with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
Equivalent to an associate degree in human services, psychology, social work, or a related field; and Two years of experience providing case management or related services to adults struggling with homelessness and/or mental health crises; or An equivalent combination of education and experience.
A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
First Aid and CPR certificate required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provides case management services for community members referred to or contacted by the MCU or CAT; conducts in-field assessments and evaluations to determine individual treatment, services, and resource needs; coordinates service referrals and client follow-up; facilitates family and agency reunifications; provides support to individuals as needed, including transportation, system navigation, and symptom management support; educates and supports clients' families while acting in the clients' best interest and advocating for the rights of the clients; assists individuals in accessing basic medical support services for injuries and illnesses.
Assists in conducting a comprehensive assessment of psychiatric history and mental health status; constructs a history of the client's physical health, dental health, drug and alcohol use, education, employment, social development, and activities of daily living to best support the clients.
Provides ongoing assessment of clients' psychiatric symptoms and their responses to treatment; recognizes and is available to clients in psychiatric crisis or emotional distress; provides emotional support as well as symptom recognition and management; educates clients about the nature of mental illness, symptoms of mental illness, coping strategies, and medication; assists clients in developing ways to manage symptoms, augment coping skills, and strategize problem-solving skills.
Assists clients in learning about substance abuse and available treatment options open to them; works with area professional partners to identify client assistance resources.
Assumes the role of advocate in all aspects of clients' needs and goals; familiarizes clients with and encourages the usage of community resources, support systems, housing opportunities, medical services, and opportunities; assists clients in building healthy peer and familial support networks.
Assists clients in determining, developing, and carrying out their goals and objectives; reviews goals and objectives, evaluates progress, and strengthens independence.
Provides opportunities to allow clients to establish vocational goals and identify job-related areas they want to improve or strengthen; provides referrals to appropriate vocational services, job coaching, and support as needed.
Assists service providers in delivering or coordinating medical support and services to clients; assists in administering first aid services to clients and linking clients to higher level medical support as necessary; ensures that a hand-off to a higher level of medical service support occurs if the need for more service is identified, and that proper follow-up is conducted.
Completes all program documentation, such as individual client files, evaluating and charting client progress, treatment plans, admission/discharge paperwork, Medi-Cal billing, inter- and intra-agency service referrals, petty cash receipts, vehicle and mileage tracking, etc. as needed for the position.
Attends bi-weekly Homelessness Response Field Team meetings, participates in client coordination meetings, and completes required hours of in-service training.
Works in collaboration with a MCU Firefighter or CAT Police Officer; collects, records, and presents all data for the program; meets with City, Fire, and/or Police Department leadership to provide updates on the progress and operations of MCU and/or CAT activities.
Promotes, encourages, and maintains trauma-informed practices in all services and activities.
Practices and promotes collaborative communication, both individually and in team meetings, and serves as a resource for City staff assisting with Homelessness Response efforts.
Proactively develops relationships with community partners, service providers, and the County's Homeless Services Division to establish more robust services, resources, and partnerships; provides feedback to the City, key stakeholders, and service providers on capacity issues and service needs; creates accountability for local service providers and ensures that needed services are available, accessible, and fully resourced.
Provides support and works collaboratively with the Fire or Police Department Peer Support Teams in existing Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) programs.
Develops and delivers a credentialed Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program suitable for Fire, Police, and EMS personnel.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.