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NEOGOV · 6 days ago

Temporary Extra Help Behavioral Health Specialist - ART

Whatcom County

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$31.54/hr - $31.54/hr

3+ years exp

Whatcom County Health and Community Services is hiring for the position of Temporary Extra Help Behavioral Health Specialist working in the ART team. The role involves responding to non-violent behavioral health 911 calls and providing support and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges.

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Responsibilities

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 have frequent contact with law enforcement, emergency medical services, the hospital and other individuals in need of social services

Collaborates with outside 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. Develops and implements Community Support Plan for each participant, which addresses their self-identified needs for food, clothing, shelter, health care and substance use disorder treatment and other areas related to their overall wellbeing

Monitors and evaluates progress of program participants; makes recommendations

Provides advocacy and support for participants within the social service, medical and/or criminal justice system including court appearances, written communication and follow up with prosecutors and attorneys, probation, judicial officers, mental health and substance use disorder providers, housing, medical care and other community partners

Accompanies and transports participants to appointments as needed

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

Serves as point of contact and primary liaison with law enforcement, community, and others making program referrals

Depending on assignment: Meets with case managers to create a list of clients who have been difficult to locate, and creates a plan for locating them

Conducts street outreach to locate and attempt to engage referred individuals

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in social workHuman services programsHarm Reduction principlesTrauma Informed CareSubstance Use Disorder knowledgeCrisis response skillsRapport buildingSupport for diversityEquityField-based work experienceFirst Aid/CPR certificationWashington State Suicide Prevention TrainingMaster’s degree in social workSubstance Use Disorder Professional certification

Required

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

Knowledge of governmental and private sector human services programs and systems; and principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care and strength-based, client-drive, recovery-focused treatment approaches

Support 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, racial equity, social justice and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community

Respond effectively to crisis situations. Promote strength-based, client drive, recovery focused treatment approaches

Work in a field-based environment such as working from a vehicle, conducting home based visits, going into encampments, working on the streets or from shelters

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 Prevention Training, or obtain within 90 days of employment

Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment