Behavioral Health Case Manager

Did you start your career wanting to make the world a better place?  Is helping with the social justice needs of your community what motivates you?

We are seeking candidates who want to actively disrupt the behavioral health status quo by unabashedly developing and executing new ideas and practices for the citizens of Mount Vernon who are without homes; working side by side with Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department to help our most vulnerable citizens achieve their goals.  Communities across the state have asked for law enforcement agencies to help their citizens in new and different ways.  The Mount Vernon Police Department has been doing that for five years and we’re ready to expand!

SUMMARY:

Under supervision of the Outreach Supervisor, the behavioral Health Case Manager responds to people with social service needs by assessing the mental state, identifying needs, and creating individualized care plans. 

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.  Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours.  Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function.  Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works primarily with individuals more likely to need structure, support or advocacy to acquire or reacquire benefits and/or accomplish their daily living activities.
• Develops tailored resource and assistance plans for individuals assigned by the supervisor identified to need structured support, advocacy, or help obtaining benefits for their daily living needs.  
• Coordinates case management strategies with Outreach Specialists and Traditional Care Providers as the acute care needs warrant.
• Engages individuals that are displaying behavioral health conditions and intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substances; makes referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinates service delivery. 
• Responds to service requests from police, fire, EMS, or other first responders who encounter individuals who may benefit from social services as alternative to criminal justice actions; assesses individuals for immediate safety and stabilization needs and prepares assistance plans.
• Provides information about available services for individuals who are homeless, have behavioral health disorders, and those with other human and social service needs.
• Meets with and interviews individuals, families, and other care providers to assess needs and eligibility of services.  
• Develops a network of working relationships with voluntary outreach teams, Designated Mental Health Professionals, Skagit County Justice Center, Skagit County Crisis Center, behavioral health treatment providers, emergency housing providers, veteran’s services, and other social service providers.
• Coordinates case management plans with Traditional Care Provider Managers, SCCJC Jail Alternatives, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Professionals, Community Action case workers, Community Court Coordinators, and other system providers as deemed necessary.
• Assists citizens with obtaining basic resources such as shelter, food, medical services, behavioral health treatment, and other social and human services; may provide safe transportation as needed.
• Follow-up with identified individuals needing structure, support due to their acute care needs in an effort to bridge system gaps that interrupt the continuity of care. 
• Maintain records of individuals served, services provided, case management activities conducted, surveys completed and other data reporting as assigned.
• Flexible to work varied hours and days as need is determined by the IOS Supervisor.
• Consult with Outreach Specialists, IOS Supervisor and other agency professionals on people with complicated issues. 
• Provides training to front-line workers on social service resources; participates in program development and improving best practices for community outreach.
• Attend and testify at court hearings and other legal proceedings as required. 
• Assists in the development and recommendation for procedures identifying and screening people with social service needs. 
• Serves as a liaison with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies and the community; participates in system planning; attends community, coalition, and committee meetings serving and contributing subject matter expertise as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

Graduate degree in Social work or closely related field AND two (2) years of experience in counseling and treating persons under the influence of controlled substances, intoxication and/or experiencing mental illness preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

Knowledge of: 

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. 
• General office policies, procedures, and equipment. 
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette. 
• Conflict resolution principles and practices. 
• De-escalation and problem-solving techniques. 
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures. 
• Principles, beliefs, and objectives for effective social service programming. 
• Symptoms, common behavioral and social characteristics, and other manifestations of disabilities affecting the population served and appropriate techniques for providing a Continuum of Care.
• Addiction processes and substance use disorder treatment approaches and expected outcomes 
• Interviewing and counseling practices and techniques relevant to the population served. 
• Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Entitlement programs and guidelines.
• Applicable local, State, and regional resources and programs.

• Understanding and applying motivational interviewing practices. 
• Applying assessment and social casework techniques. 
• Preparing and presenting reports and making presentations to various audiences.
• Establishing and maintaining rapport with the population served.
• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems. 
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public. 
• Recognizing presentation of mental illness related behaviors and determining appropriate clinical interventions. 
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines. 
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy. 
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents. 
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license. 
• Certified in the State of Washington as a Substance Abuse Disorder Professional is preferred. 

BENEFITS:

• Medical dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.  Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 

The entire application process will include:

• A written take home Assessment
• Oral Boards
• Background check

For additional information, or a complete job description, please click on  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug-free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment. 
The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $72,816 - $85,188