Whatcom County
Behavioral Health Specialist - Opioid Outreach
Whatcom County, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Whatcom County Health & Community Services is recruiting for the position of
Behavioral Health Specialist , working in the Syringe Services Program (SSP) and the Response Systems Street Medicine program.
As part of the Executive Order to address fentanyl, Health and Community Services is focusing on increased support for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder. This Behavioral Health Specialist will support existing programs that serve this population and will be able to provide case management and resource navigation services for access to MAT/MOUD, out-patient treatment, in-patient treatment, mental health services, and primary care. In addition, this position will enhance the already existing infrastructure of the Response Systems division and SSP. This position will meet people where they are at and provide low-barrier access to services.
Essential Duties:
Cultivates contacts and establishes and maintains 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 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.Provides advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances, written communication, and follow-up with prosecutors and attorneys.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 ongoing 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.Conducts street outreach to locate and attempt to engage referred individuals who have yet to complete intake or who are not regularly meeting with their case manager.
Supervisor:
Response Systems SupervisorHours of Work:
Monday - Friday, 40 hours per weekSalary Range:MCBA- Range 160.0This 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).We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. 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. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services3 years of professional experience working with vulnerable adults living with severe mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders.Master’s degree and/or SUDP preferred.Requires knowledge of:
Governmental and private sector human services programs and systems.Principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care.Requires the ability to:
Engage with 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 and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community.Respond effectively to crisis situations.Promote strength-based, client-driven, recovery-focused treatment approaches.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have 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 Prevent Training, or obtain within 90 days of employment.Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment.At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
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Behavioral Health Specialist , working in the Syringe Services Program (SSP) and the Response Systems Street Medicine program.
As part of the Executive Order to address fentanyl, Health and Community Services is focusing on increased support for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder. This Behavioral Health Specialist will support existing programs that serve this population and will be able to provide case management and resource navigation services for access to MAT/MOUD, out-patient treatment, in-patient treatment, mental health services, and primary care. In addition, this position will enhance the already existing infrastructure of the Response Systems division and SSP. This position will meet people where they are at and provide low-barrier access to services.
Essential Duties:
Cultivates contacts and establishes and maintains 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 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.Provides advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances, written communication, and follow-up with prosecutors and attorneys.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 ongoing 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.Conducts street outreach to locate and attempt to engage referred individuals who have yet to complete intake or who are not regularly meeting with their case manager.
Supervisor:
Response Systems SupervisorHours of Work:
Monday - Friday, 40 hours per weekSalary Range:MCBA- Range 160.0This 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).We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. 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. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services3 years of professional experience working with vulnerable adults living with severe mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders.Master’s degree and/or SUDP preferred.Requires knowledge of:
Governmental and private sector human services programs and systems.Principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care.Requires the ability to:
Engage with 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 and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community.Respond effectively to crisis situations.Promote strength-based, client-driven, recovery-focused treatment approaches.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have 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 Prevent Training, or obtain within 90 days of employment.Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment.At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
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