Behavioral Health Specialist, Overdose Prevention & Response - Temp with Benefits

Whatcom County Health & Community Services is recruiting for the position of Behavioral Health Specialist, working in the Response Systems Division, specifically on overdose prevention and response.  

Essential Duties:

• Provide support and resource navigation to individuals post-overdose, individuals at risk of overdose and/or a history of overdose, active use, SUD/OUD, and/or not currently connected to ongoing services.  
• Cultivates contacts and establish and maintain positive, effective, collaborative working relationships with agencies and organizations throughout Whatcom County in an effort to care for and assist individuals who are at risk of overdose and who often have frequent contact with emergency and crisis services.
• Collaborates with community service providers to bridge gaps in existing community social services to better serve the unique needs of individuals encountered and help reduce barriers experienced by program participants.
• Actively participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to assess client needs and create wrap around support services focused on stabilization and access to care.
• Provides advocacy and support for participants within the health care system. Coordinates transportation needs of participants.
• Collects and maintains accurate data and case records in accordance with HIPPA (45 CFR Parts 160) and Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records (42 CFR Part 2).
• Provides feedback for continued program development to meet the on-going and changing needs to best serve the vulnerable populations of Whatcom County.
• Performs all job duties on the continuum of care spectrum utilizing the principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care.

Depending on assignment:

• Serves as point of contact and primary liaison with EMS, hospital, health care providers, medical examiner, and others making program referrals.
• Works closely with Response Systems Division teams to coordinate services and referrals as appropriate.

• Conducts street outreach to locate and attempt to engage referred individuals.

Supervisor: Response Systems Supervisor

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week

Rate of Pay: $30.62 / hour plus full County benefits package

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services.
• 3 years of professional experience working with vulnerable adults living with severe mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders.
• Master’s degree and/or SUDP preferred. 

Requires knowledge of:

• Governmental and private sector human services programs and systems.
• Principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care.

Requires the ability to:

• Engage with referred individuals in order to determine appropriate behavioral health services. Establish and maintain rapport with those experiencing symptoms of substance use and/or mental illness in order to determine appropriate community resources and services.
• Support diversity and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community. 
• Respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Promote strength-based, client-drive, recovery-focused treatment approaches.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Background check must meet County criteria, including disclosure of serious crimes and sex crimes per RCW 43.43.
• Must have current Washington State Suicide Prevent Training or obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment. 

Salary : $31