Behavioral Health Clinician

Introduction

This is a professional clinical work providing crisis-oriented clinical services, including on-scene assessments of adults, juveniles, veterans, indigent individuals, etc., to assess their current issues and treatment needs while de-escalating the situation.

Nature Of Work

An employee in this class is a member of a co-responder team consisting of a behavioral health clinician and a sworn officer of the Tampa Police Department (TPD). Most of the time will be spent with law enforcement as a partner, responding alongside the police officer to the scene for calls involving behavioral health disturbances. This position will focus on individuals identified as high utilizers of crisis stabilization units, emergency rooms, and calls for police service related to behavioral health issues. Under general direction, employees exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in selecting work methods / techniques and formulating recommendations to deescalating the situation while continuing assessment and determining potential treatment needs. Work is reviewed through conferences, oral and written reports, and observation of results obtained.

Examples of Duties

Accepts and takes the lead on specific Behavioral Health calls for services; Serve as Subject Matter Expert (S.M.E.) related to issues of mental health and substance abuse disorders and treatment needs.

Identify needs and recommend services to individuals identified as high utilizers of crisis stabilization units, emergency rooms, and calls for police service related to behavioral health issues.

Consults with law enforcement officers to determine appropriate dispositions for services, arrests, diversion from arrests, diversion from unnecessary emergency department visits, or some combination of criminal justice / behavioral health treatment involvement.

File Baker Acts and Marchman Acts, as deemed clinically appropriate.

Link and refer individuals in need of crisis, mental health or substance abuse services to the proper resources and / or community outreach programs. Maintain contact with those on caseload providing a comprehensive continuum of services to promote wellness and recovery.

Maintain contact with care coordinators and community providers to follow up on linkage to services and service outcomes.

Attends multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.

Record and report all grant-needed data for TPD and other involved entities.

Assists in the review and development of clinical policies, procedures, and guidelines for the provision of services to assure compliance with all levels of regulations.

Must be able to participate in training related to crisis intervention, weapon education, and response call simulation.

Perform related work as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Working knowledge of : research methods, principles, and practices related to behavioral health. Excellent knowledge, education, and training in the field of mental health and substance abuse

Some Knowledge of : statistics.

Ability to : follow oral and written instructions and arrive at sound decisions independently following established rules, regulations, and state and federal law; communicate with various organizations and other law enforcement agencies, speak effectively in public, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the public, maintain records and submit clear, concise, and accurate reports both orally and in writing.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 20-40 lbs., mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related human services field and preferably one year of experience as a clinician.

Licenses or Certifications

Possession of valid Florida driver's license. Possession of current State of Florida License in Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Social Work or Marriage and Family Counseling.

Examination

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Comments

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. During periods when the mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response, or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

Conclusion

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