Behavioral Health Specialist

Behavioral Health Specialist

The main function of the Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) is to provide behavioral and mental health support to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)-trained police officers, operating as a specialized co-response unit (1 BHS paired with 2 officers). BHS's will respond to mental health calls for service and provide wrap-around services. BHS's will operate over the Midnight shift, 7 days a week. This is appointed at-will position that serves at the pleasure of the chief.

Provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information & referral, and brief supportive counseling to clients who call 911 and are in emotional distress and/or seeking information on available mental health services.

Engages, assesses, and supports individuals in crisis by providing direct and indirect services utilizing evidence-based practices with mental illness and/or substance use needs.

Develops case history of clients, provides wrap-around services, and implements individual treatment plans.

Identifies individuals who may be at increased risk to themselves and/or the community through the completion of risk assessments as clinically appropriate (e.g. suicide, homicide, potential for violence, substance use, etc.) with dispositions and recommendations that are included in case management.

Provides referral to mental health and substance use services, community resources, and other tools/resources for individuals with acute care need to link them to ongoing services.

Maintains partnerships and active engagement in the community as well as staying abreast of all available resources in the community.

Conducts community-based outreach with law enforcement and city departments, including the Housing Revitalization Department.

Engages with and supports law enforcement to become better equipped to engage and assist individuals with mental illness and/or substance use needs.

Coordinates efforts and resources between various homeless outreach and substance use disorder outreach teams.

Promotes individual and group action towards individual growth and socially desirable goals.

Maintains appropriate program databases and client, case, and public records.

Reports project risks and outcomes to appropriate management channels and escalates issues according to project work plan.

Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Nursing, or Human Services, the Social Services or a related field.

Two years related experience and/or training preferred, Licensure preferred but not required. Licensed Bachelor of Social Work may be accepted with appropriate experience. Bi-lingual preferred but not required. CAADC or CADC preferred but not required. One (1) year of experience in social work in a recognized agency which includes responsibility for decisions regarding handling of individual client social problems.

Knowledge of principles and methods of social work. Knowledge of legal requirements governing public social work. Knowledge of work of public and private social agencies. Skill in tactful and effective oral and interpersonal communication with clients, client associates, community organizations, human services agencies, and citizens. Skill in operating personal computers and common office software. Skill in crisis intervention. Ability to diagnose social cases. Ability to plan and execute treatment and secure client cooperation. Ability to perform crisis intervention. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with community organizations and human services agencies. Ability to work effectively under deadline pressure. Efficiency with data entry in various software programs. Familiarity with writing a petition and transport orders.