Mental Health Professional & Community Co-Responder I

Summary:
An at-will professional position under the general supervision of the Police Chief. The Behavioral Health Specialist – Community Responder uses evidence-based practice that promotes well-being through assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Behavioral Health Specialist – Community Responders incorporate knowledge of human behavior, sociology, psychiatry, psychology, and many other social science disciplines using advocacy, compassion and de-escalation and crisis intervention skills to support those with unmet needs in a culturally responsive manner. They work as a team with other responders and care givers, and collaborate with other local, regional, state, and federal programs to identify gaps in existing resources for community members and provide support services as needed. The primary focus of work is crisis intervention, resource referral, and follow-up; this work is conducted in community settings such as emergency and non-emergency police, fire and EMS incident scenes, health care organizations, businesses, homes, public spaces and at social service agencies. Essential Functions:

• Respond to 911 calls for service in the community, both within a team or independently.
• Conduct ongoing biopsychosocial assessments of community members.
• Plan, implement, and coordinate services related to crisis response and social service needs in the Snoqualmie Police Service area, including the city of North Bend.
• Provide appropriate referrals and resources to community members (e.g., caregiver respite programs, paratransit applications, DSHS applications, SSDI, Veteran’s Benefits).
• Follow-up with community members periodically to ensure a warm hand-off to the appropriate resource(s) or services.
• Periodically re-evaluate efficacy of the resource(s) or services and determine the need for additional or alternate services.
• Conduct home visits based on referrals from other responders and community service professionals.
• Provide appropriate level of support to community members during particularly vulnerable transitional times, such as post-hospitalization discharge to home or to alternate points of care.
• Provide community member and/or caregiver/family education on alternative care strategies and resources.
• Complete all mandatory training in a timely fashion such as clinical competency, culturally relevant practices, use of appropriate technologies, customer service, and any other assigned program and Department training.
• Promote public health and wellness by coordinating and participating in community-wide events, health fairs, volunteer fairs, and activities.
• Seeks funding and resources for programs that improve community outreach and service programs being offered to the community.
• Participate in the development of the Community Responder Program’s performance metrics, tracking, and referrals.
• Provide or coordinate training for Fire, Police and City Staff on social services or program updates and advancements.
• Represent the Community Responder Program on regional related work groups or committees when requested.
• Develop reporting metrics, track data, and provide periodic reports to the Police Chief, Fire Chief, or other City Staff and Elected Officials as directed, or the WA Healthcare Authority.
• Present program related information and or reporting metrics to community providers, service organizations, elected officials and or the community.  
• Work as a team with other responders and care givers, and collaborate with other local, regional, state, and federal programs to identify gaps in existing resources for community members and provide support services as needed.
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned.

Education & Experience: 

• Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field[MC1][SB2][MC3][SB4].
• Three years’ experience in working with individuals with behavioral health needs and/or individuals who are homeless.
• Three years of experience in program coordination and planning, or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. 
• Ability to conduct suicide/homicide risk assessments and safety planning, or the ability to obtain training within 90 days of hire.
• Experience working with community members with Limited English Proficiency is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Previous emergency response experience in law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services or related field. 
Other Qualifications: 

• Valid Washington State driver's license with driving record free from serious or frequent violations.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive police background investigation. 

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities: 

• Ability to incorporate knowledge of human behavior, sociology, psychiatry, psychology, and many other social science disciplines using advocacy, compassion and de-escalation and crisis intervention skills to support those with unmet needs in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written form. 
• Ability to safely operate a city vehicle.
• Thorough knowledge of local and regional community and human services programs, resources, and systems to include a wide range of populations including individuals with behavioral health conditions, persons with limited incomes, and limited English proficiency, individuals who are homeless, or have limited supports.
• Ability to develop and implement programs to assist in meeting the health and human services needs of City residents seeking emergency services. 
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local behavioral health applicable laws and regulations.
• Knowledge and skills in conducting psycho-social assessments, treatment planning, behavioral health interventions, transition and discharge planning, and clinical case note writing.
• Conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and problem-solving.
• Knowledge and competency in lifespan development, multi-cultural service delivery, behavioral health symptoms and social characteristics affecting the population served.
• Mental health behaviors and appropriate clinical interventions. Substance use disorder process and appropriate treatment approaches. 
• Knowledge of needs and services for persons who are homeless.
• Awareness of cultural navigation services and ability to access them to benefit clients served.
• Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability Income guidelines.
• Community systems and resources.
• Judicial procedures, corrections environment.
• Safety practices and policies, applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Writing and research techniques. Grant application and administration; contract administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Bonus: ability to speak a second language.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.  
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with multiple projects and inter-related community goals.  

Salary : $6,839 - $9,233