Behavioral Health Specialist - ART

JOB
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 SupervisorHours 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 descriptionSupplemental 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).

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 yearEligibility 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 employeesOption to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement PlanFlexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expensesVoluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Additional benefit information