Dispatch Coordinator (Temporary- Project Respond)

Dispatch Coordinator (Temporary- Project Respond)

Job Overview

Location: This position is located at the Kerns Building in NE Portland. This is a temporary position with an assignment of about 90 days.
Schedule: The schedule will by Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m

Position: Dispatch Coordinator

Program: Project Respond

The Dispatch Coordinator is responsible for supporting and directing the mobile crisis team by obtaining and relaying critical information regarding individuals we serve (IWS) in the community experiencing mental health crisis. This position is the primary contact with community partners including the Behavioral Health Call Center and law enforcement to gather all relevant information to dispatch mobile crisis teams into the community.

The job incumbent must understand, appreciate, and respect the differences within our Cascadia community. As such, it is expected that this position promotes integrated care, our vision of trauma-informed and person-first approaches and helps create a work environment of acceptance.

Essential Duties

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.

General

· Respond to and gather critical information from the Behavioral Health Call Center, law enforcement, Cascadia Health sites, referral source(s) and other community partners requesting services from the mobile crisis team.

· Review and summarize historic information from multiple electronic health record (EHR) systems of clients' mental health status and risk factors, including suicidality, homicidally, and substance use and quickly deliver this to the responding team(s).

· Monitor the real-time location and status of mobile crisis teams, ensuring appropriate coverage and dispatch based on availability, including break status.

· Dispatch mobile crisis teams to IWS experiencing mental health crises. Collaborate with emergency services, including law enforcement and medical personnel, to coordinate crisis responses and ensure appropriate care for IWS.

· Facilitate access to mental health resources and support services, including referrals to crisis stabilization units, psychiatric hospitals, and community-based treatment programs.

· Provide follow-up support and advocacy for IWS, ensuring continuity of care and connection to ongoing mental health services.

· Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

· Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices as part of service delivery team and in alignment with Cascadia and program’s current level of FIT implementation.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Regulatory & Compliance

· Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the department and program operate.

· Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures.

· Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with department policies and procedures.

· Document and maintain records in a manner that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required and complete electronic medical records (EMR) as required using Cascadia software.

· Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws, HIPAA and 42CFR regulations requirements.

· Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis.

· Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

Qualifications

Education:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO.
 

Experience:

Required:

A minimum of one year’s experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental health challenges.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Effective communication and active listening skills.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills.

Ability to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and initiative in daily work activities

Knowledge of professional standards, ethical conduct, and accountability expectations in a healthcare environment.

Understanding of principles related to person‑centered care, safety, and well‑being.

Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently.

Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.

Other:

Must have the ability to perform CPR and properly use AED equipment. BLS certification training will be provided within the first 60 days of hire for client-facing staff, and CPR certification training will be provided within 120 days for all other staff. Certification must remain current.

Core Competencies

Teamwork:

Contribute to a culture that promotes cooperation, respectful communication, and mutual trust. Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams by working together and sharing ideas, skills, and knowledge to achieve common goals. Foster environment that fuels creativity by combining differing perspectives and experiences to generate innovative solutions.

Ethics, Values, & Integrity:

Maintain a respectful work environment where decisions are transparent and objective. Hold yourself and Cascadia Health accountable for their actions while contributing to a positive organizational culture.

Emotional Awareness: Understand and manage one’s own emotions while respecting diverse emotional expressions and communication styles

of others. This includes recognizing the varied ways emotions can influence thoughts and behaviors and adapting interactions to enhance interpersonal effectiveness and self-awareness.

Culture:

Positively contributes to a work environment that values all individuals. Evaluate social situations to determine what is expected or required to recognize the feelings and intentions of others.

Safety:

Actively contribute to the safety and welfare of the Cascadia community through prevention, education, and awareness. Participate in and promote a work environment that identifies and prevents workplace safety issues.

Working Conditions

This role is centered on direct care for IWS and community engagement, it is designed for in-person work and does not include hybrid or remote work options.

Work is performed in the community, in clinic environments, and participants’ home. There is regular exposure to the elements and moderate physical and environmental demands associated with this position. The work involves addressing new and unusual circumstances, requiring flexibility in time management and exercising sound judgement.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654 or at [email protected]

Employees are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, certifications, registrations, and other credentials required for their position. Required credentials must remain active and in good standing as a condition of employment. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with any applicable credentialing requirements, including associated fees and renewal or maintenance obligations, prior to applying.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package - Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bike to Work Reimbursement

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

$26.45 - $27.65