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Behavioral Health Specialist - ART

Bellingham, United States

Summary

Whatcom County Health and Community Services, Response Systems Division, is hiring for the position of Behavioral Health Specialist, working in the ART team.

The Alternative Response Team (ART) is a Bellingham program that sends two behavioral health specialists to respond to specific non-violent behavioral health 911 calls. ART is an innovative program that benefits people having mental or behavioral health challenges, and our police personnel, allowing them to respond to other emergent calls requiring law enforcement intervention.

You can read more about the program on the Respond Whatcom website: https://www.respondwhatcom.org/.

Essential Job Duties:

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.

Supervisor: Response Systems Supervisor

Hours of Work: Typically four 10-hour days, Monday through Friday. Schedule may be adjusted based on business needs.

For more information, please review:

Generic job description
Supplemental job description.

Salary Range: $31.54 - $45.48 per hour (MCBA- Range 160.0)

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.As a public entity and in a union-covered position, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees.

This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Qualifications

Requirements:

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.

Special Requirements:

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.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services.
Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!

Supplemental Information

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
$50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional benefit information

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