Crisis Response Specialist II

City of Longview•Longview, WA

47d

About The Position

The Longview Police Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), comprised of Crisis Response Specialists working under the general direction of a Police Sergeant, works in collaboration with police personnel to respond to incidents involving individuals that are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Through this program, Crisis Response Specialists assist police officers with situational de-escalation and crisis intervention as co-responders. BHU resources also provide emergency responders with additional options to divert individuals to behavioral health resources as an alternative to incarceration which have not been readily available in the past. BHU members cultivate and maintain professional relationships with organizations in the community that provide behavioral health resources to direct and refer individuals to the appropriate community resources. These resources could include in-patient and outpatient mental health and SUD services, respite care, primary care clinics, and other support services. BHU members work closely with the department's Community Outreach Coordinator addressing individuals in crisis due to homelessness. BHU members also assist the department's Community Outreach Coordinator in following up on individuals who are in the Therapeutic Court program. In addition to responding with officers to incidents, the Crisis Response Specialists have access to view pending police calls for service within the computer-aided-dispatch system. When it is safe and appropriate, Crisis Response Specialists may respond to incidents involving community members experiencing a behavioral health crisis without a police officer present. This position is Grant funded and is a limited duration position with the possibility of being extended. Incumbents will be subject to passing an extensive pre-employment criminal background check.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social welfare, psychology, social work or a related field AND four years of experience performing mental health outreach or as a substance abuse specialist and/or working with individuals with acute or severe mental health concerns; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Must successfully complete criminal background check.
Valid Washington State Driver's License
Knowledge of crisis intervention
The philosophy and objectives of social services and community service programs
Symptoms, common behavioral and social characteristics, and other manifestations of the disabilities affecting the population served.
Local, state, and regional resources and programs for the homeless, mentally ill, substance-abusing population, and those with other social service needs.
Conflict resolution principles, de-escalation, and problem-solving techniques.
Related state and federal mandates including those related to privacy and confidentiality.
Related local, state, and federal law regulations and mandates including those related to homelessness, privacy, and confidentiality.
Effective de-escalation techniques.
Able to work with high-risk populations suffering from chronic diseases, behavioral health disorders, and psychosocial needs.
Experience working with patient populations suffering from substance use, behavioral health, and/or mental health disorders.
Able to effectively engage with underserved and marginalized populations.
Possess a high level of cultural competency and sensitivity.
Demonstrate ethical values that uphold inclusion and equity among diverse populations and people.
Proficient in the use of technology and computers
Maintain confidentiality.
Collaborative professional who can work alongside EMS, police, and other clinical professionals.
Telephonic screening, triage, or managed care setting experience.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including explaining detailed information to the public.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Work independently with little direction.
Operate a variety of office equipment, including computers and related software, calculator, copy and fax machine, telephone, recording, and transcription equipment.
Work courteously and tactfully with customers and employees.
Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.
Recognize personal signs of secondary trauma and prioritize self-care.
Work variable shifts as needed.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with first responders, especially law enforcement, in the field to assist persons in crisis or persons experiencing houselessness, desired.
Previous experience working in houseless outreach and coordination, desired.
Mental health professional in accordance with WAC 388-865-0150, desired.

Responsibilities

Provide rapid crisis interview & assessment to assist individuals with mental health, substance use, homelessness and other social service needs.
Assist the target population with obtaining resources as needed.
Serve as liaison with Longview Police Department and other City departments, outside agencies, businesses, and the community as it relates to areas of assigned responsibility.
Act as the primary liaison between mental health community providers and law enforcement.
Make referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinate service delivery.
Follow-up with identified individuals and/or emergency medical contacts and social service providers. Consult with other agency professionals on difficult cases.
Identify potential resources and partnerships that contribute to the program's development and oversee community outreach as it relates to areas of assigned responsibility.
Establish and maintain rapport with the population served.
Provide information, consultation and make referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinate service delivery.
Conduct outreach to the community and work with outreach workers from other agencies to provide a broader outreach approach.
Provide and/or coordinate training to police personnel regarding behavioral health, substance use, trauma spectrum disorders, and other behavioral health topics as identified.
Transport ill or disoriented persons to shelters, treatment centers, or other social service agencies within Longview and/or neighboring jurisdictions on an as-needed basis.
Transport individuals to necessary non-emergency medical care within Longview and neighboring jurisdictions on an as-needed basis.
Prepare activity reports based on contacts and service.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.