Clinician - Mental Health Professional I/II/III (Grant Funded)

Crisis Response Team Clinician

The Crisis Response Team is a team of law enforcement officers and behavioral health professionals who work together to provide crisis intervention, case management, and access to behavioral health resources to the community members of Skagit County. The Clinician is part of a Co-Response team and is responsible for responding with law enforcement to assist in identifying the needs of a community member in crisis, using appropriate assessment, intervention, engagement, and crisis response techniques, and working with the community member and their family in connecting them to resources, programs, and/or treatment options. The Co-Response clinician will respond to any calls received by the law enforcement officer they are assigned to for the day and will work with the community members identified as needing services to connect them with proper care and provide follow-up contacts as needed.

Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 for a Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) I/II/III, dependent upon qualifications:

• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) I - $34.97/hr. - $37.46/hr.
• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) II - $37.46/hr. - $40.13/hr.
• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) III - $40.13/hr. - $42.99/hr.

Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 total steps (top steps and ranges listed below):

• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) I - Range 15 of General Salary Schedule (Top Step $46.52/hr.)
• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) II - Range 16 of General Salary Schedule (Top Step $49.84/hr.)
• Clinician - Mental Health Professional (MHP) III - Range 17 of General Salary Schedule (Top Step $53.38/hr.)

Essential Functions

• Work effectively with law enforcement in responding to call for service involving situations that are high stress, dynamic crisis situations, rapidly evolving incidents, community events, and public safety cultural environments.
• Provide one-on-one crisis intervention, stabilization services, mental health and/or substance use assessment, coordination of care, and follow-up services to community members and family.
• Assist law enforcement in the consideration of an urgent mental health evaluation and provide written documentation in the form of an affidavit should a community member need emergency detainment.
• Assess and counsel persons under the influence of controlled substances, intoxication and/or experiencing mental illness.
• Maintain good working relationships with Designated Crisis Responders in the County. Collaborate with local, state, and regional resources, service agencies, and coordinate connections to care for the community member and for the family and loved ones who may also be experiencing secondary crisis exposures.
• Provide case management services by assisting community members in obtaining basic needs such as housing, financial assistance, medical services, medications, and other resources that will help them maintain stability in the community.
• Collaborate and network with community and social service agencies to become familiar with local programs, resources, and treatment options and provide appropriate referrals.
• Provide information, referral, and advocacy services to community members on caseload, family members, and others as appropriate.
• Maintain case notes and files, input, and manage data.
• Attend and participate in team meetings.
• Attend and testify in a court hearing and other legal proceedings as required.
• Share mental health expertise with first responders, communicating clinical impressions and advocating for the community member's best interest.
• Work effectively within the law enforcement culture, which includes a chain of command structure.

Minimum Qualifications

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in the behavioral sciences or an Associate's degree with SUDP licensure Pay will be determined based on degree level and licensure as indicated below.
• One year experience in working with people in crisis, mental health impaired populations, and people with substance use problems.
• LMHC, LICSW, SUDP, or other valid licensure preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is desired, but not required.
• Familiarity or experience working with law enforcement is preferred.
• Prior Co-Response is preferred.
• Must pass law enforcement background check and polygraph.

Clinician I

• Bachelor's Degree with no licensure
• Associate's Degree with SUDP licensure

Clinician II

• Master's Degree with no licensure

Clinician III

• Master's Degree with licensure

Licenses and/or certifications: Valid Washington State driver's license LMHC, LICSW, SUDP, or other valid licensure preferred. The County offers No-cost licensure supervision for those pursuing clinical licensure, as well as reimbursement of License/Certification application fees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Training in motivational interviewing, DBT, and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and methods.
• Work effectively with law enforcement, in a chain of command structure, in situations that include but are not limited to high stress, dynamic crisis situations, rapidly evolving incidents, community events, and related public safety cultural environments.
• Understand the importance of immediacy, ability to remain calm and use critical thinking during high stress and high-risk crisis situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Recognize the presentation of mental illness related behaviors and understand appropriate clinical interventions.
• Work with a team and collaborate with other staff, including first responders.
• Work independently and demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, tact, organization, and time management skills.
• Maintain accurate and timely records.
• Remain compliant with required trainings and certifications.
• Understand that this is a unique work environment with sensitive topics including domestic violence, sexual trauma, drugs and addiction, and family planning.
• Professionally and appropriately discuss sensitive topics with community members and team members to address individual needs, goals, and barriers.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Many of the work hours for this position will be conducted in the field with Skagit County Sherriff's Office Deputies or other Co-responder staff. Must be able to walk significant distances, climb stairs and outside terrain, be able to stand for long periods of time, carry equipment, and work outside in all weather conditions. Extended periods of time spent at a desk using a computer required. Hazards include those present in a normal office environment with possible repetitive motion injuries.