What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crisis Intervention Specialist (BPOA) position at San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)?
Salary Information
This is a BART Police Officers' Association (BPOA) represented position.
Step 1: $42.67/hourly to Step 5: $51.21/hourly (BPOA Hourly)
NOTE: All external candidates will start at Step 1.
Who May Apply
All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.
Days Off
As assigned. (Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.)
Reports To
Supervisor of Crisis Intervention & Outreach Programs
Department
The Bureau of Progressive Policing and Community Engagement’s mission is to engage the BART Police Department in leading transparent, equitable, and innovative policing practices to improve public safety across the diverse communities in which we serve. We are committed to rebuilding trust and nurturing relationships between our communities and law enforcement through a culture of accountability, responsibility, and collaboration.
Current Assignment
The Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) will be responsible for performing outreach to individuals experiencing crisis, homelessness, mental health and substance use. The CIS will engage and establish relationships with the homeless community to provide supportive services in collaboration with behavioral health and social services organizations; advocates and collaborates with service providers to facilitate access to care with the goal of stabilization. The CIS will serve as a liaison in the BART system between the Police Department, other departments in the District and community. The CIS will ensure that potentially underserved mental health and unsheltered patrons entering the BART system, are appropriately served with compassion and dignity. This position will require highly motivated individuals that have strong communication skills and the ability to interact with diverse communities.
Selection Process
This position is represented by BART Police Officers Association Employees (BPOA).
Applications will be screened to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. (Note that the hiring department may incorporate additional screening criteria to identify candidates with the ideal knowledge and skills beyond the minimum qualifications.) The selection process for this position may include an e-skills assessment, skills/performance demonstration, supplemental questionnaire, written examination, and/or an individual or panel interview. Candidates must pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.
Phase 1: Pre-Screening Background Questionnaire. Applicants that successfully clear the pre-screening background questionnaire will be eligible to move forward in the selection process.
Phase 2: Minimum Qualifications: A review of each applicant’s employment application to verify possession of the minimum qualifications.
Phase 3: Oral Boards: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and/or additional screening may be invited to participate in an oral panel interview.
Phase 4: Background Investigation (may include a medical exam, psychological, and polygraph exams if applicable)
** PLEASE NOTE that the entire selection process may take 6 months up to (1) year. **
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations). If you are selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents.
The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide: naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).
The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Eligibility to Reapply
Candidates that are unsuccessful in the written, physical agility and/or oral board process can immediately reapply online for future openings. However, candidates that are unsuccessful in the investigative background process must wait at least 6 months before reapplying.
- Performs outreach services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or housing insecurity issues by providing linkages to services provided by local organizations.
- Makes mental health assessments and provides crisis counseling to the homeless community and individuals experiencing mental health related issues within the BART system.
- Provides short-term case management services as appropriate and makes direct referrals to other community services.
- Serves as a liaison between the Police Department, other departments in the District, and public and private community-based organizations that provide mental health, crisis intervention, and homeless and supportive housing services.
- Engage and establish relationships with the homeless community to provide supportive services in collaboration with behavioral health and social services organizations; advocates and collaborates with service providers to facilitate access to care with the goal of stabilization.
- Works with management to perform outreach within the community and participate in community-violence reduction efforts including informational presentations.
- Responds to requests and inquiries from District personnel, city and county agencies, merchants, community groups, and citizens to assist individuals found at-risk in places not meant for habitation.
- Assists in medical emergencies on BART property by gathering information, providing logistical support, and/or providing first-aid as appropriate; summons medical response as necessary.
- Participates in and successfully completes all required training, such as conflict resolution, security awareness, etc.
- Provides various routine assistance to BART personnel; may operate various office equipment; gathers, maintains and retrieves records as directed; fills out forms and writes basic reports; enters data into appropriate computer database or application.
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
Two (2) years of (full-time equivalent) professional verifiable experience in social work or related experience. Experience in homeless advocate programs, behavioral health support programs, or interacting and engaging with the homeless community and/or individuals experiencing complex mental health issues preferred.
Other Requirements:
- Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record
- Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime
- Must respond to afterhours incidents and perform field activities
Substitution:
Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and techniques of working with ethnically and culturally diverse individuals with psychiatric challenges and those who may be homeless and have co-occurring or complex issues
- Welfare & Institutions Code 5150 and 5585
- Principles and practices of effective conflict resolution
- Methods and techniques of crisis intervention
- Methods and techniques of effective communication
- Current office procedures and practices, including the use of online computer equipment
- Applicable BART rules and safety regulations
Skill/Ability in:
- Developing and maintaining effective working effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work including a diverse population including impoverished and alienated persons
- Operating District vehicles including cell phone and police radio equipment
- Reading, interpreting and following a variety of instructions
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
- Remaining professional and courteous when dealing with disorderly patrons
- Maintaining basic and accurate records
- Exercising sound judgment within established guidelines
- Detecting unusual, hazardous or emergency situations and taking appropriate actions according to specified regulations
- Speak effectively in public and provide clear, concise and understandable verbal direction and information
- Plan, organize and support others
- Dealing with difficult people in a customer service setting
- Remaining calm in emergency and/or uncomfortable situations
Salary : $88,769 - $106,518
