Behavioral Health Outreach - Peer, SSS (STT)

Overview King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to the community. The Behavioral Health Outreach Program (BHOP) team responds to behavioral health crises in assigned patrol areas, providing outreach, crisis intervention, screening, and referrals for services. Teams City Hall Park Neighborhood Outreach: City Hall Park/King County Campus Sound Transit Outreach: Downtown Light Rail Stations KC Metro Outreach: Burien Transit Center Job Duties Patrol assigned areas on foot and provide outreach and engage with individuals in the light rail stations or on the trains. Assist transit security in responding and engaging with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Provide crisis intervention and counseling to individuals. Offer service information and link to shelter, housing, behavioral health, medical, and employment services. Provide education about health and behavioral health issues. Serve as liaison to and represent the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division within community groups. Develop trusting relationships with individuals through respectful outreach and client‑centered engagement practices to assess their service needs and provide appropriate referrals. Maintain strong collaborative relationships with community partners and service providers to ensure continuity of care. Perform job responsibilities with respect for individual dignity at all times. Use de‑escalation techniques, employing the least amount of physical force when necessary. Maintain safety and security of individuals using visual and auditory cues. Complete written reports with legible, grammatically correct handwriting. Enter electronic data accurately and efficiently. Perform other related duties as assigned. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Recovery from mental health, substance use, or co‑occurring disorders. Minimum of 2 years as a peer support specialist or equivalent experience. High School diploma, GED, or five years of equivalent education and work experience in a behavioral health setting. Enthusiasm for peer support and belief that recovery is possible for everyone. Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty and behavioral health conditions from a harm‑reduction model. Ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse staff, clients, and contacts. Skill in de‑escalating verbal aggression, hostile or violent behavior. Effective oral and written communication skills. Effective problem‑solving skills using conflict resolution techniques and patience. Interpersonal skills in teamwork and positive collaboration. Ability to work independently and as part of a team with sound decision‑making in absence of on‑site supervision. Current CPR card or ability to obtain within 90 days. Current Basic First Aid card or ability to obtain within 90 days. Basic knowledge of signs and symptoms of behavioral health conditions. Valid Washington State Driver’s License or ability to travel around the County in a timely manner. Must pass a criminal background check on a post‑offer/pre‑employment basis. Employment Information These are non‑mission critical, short‑term temporary positions, not benefits eligible. Location: on‑site at various county locations. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM, with overtime eligibility with supervisory pre‑approval. Not union represented. Classification: Social Service Specialist. EEO Statement King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. The EEO policy applies to all employment actions. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County, WA