Temporary Extra Help-Behavioral Health Specialist (LEAD program)

Whatcom County Health and Community Services, Response Systems Division, is hiring for the position of Temporary Extra Help Behavioral Health Specialist working on the LEAD team.  

The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone Advance with Dignity (LEAD) program is a Whatcom County program that enhances safety, health and equity by building a community-based alternative to arrest and incarceration for people whose low-level law offenses stem from unmanaged substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness and/or extreme poverty. You can read more about the program on our website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3932/Response-Systems

Essential Job Duties:

• Cultivates contacts and establish and maintain 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, emergency medical services, the hospital 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.
• Monitors and evaluates progress of program participants; makes recommendations.
• Provides advocacy and support for participants within the social service, medical and/or criminal justice system including court appearances, written communication and follow up with prosecutors and attorneys, probation, judicial officers, mental health and substance use disorder providers, housing, medical care and other community partners. 
• Accompanies and transports participants to appointments as needed.
• Collects and maintains accurate data and case records in accordance with HIPAA (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 on-going 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.
• Serves as point of contact and primary liaison with law enforcement, community, and others making program referrals.
• Depending on assignment:
  • Conducts street outreach to locate and attempt to engage referred individuals.

Supervisor: Response Systems Supervisor

Hours of Work: This is a part-time position working 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, based on staffing needs. The position may work up to 125 hours per month for up to four months. After that, hours are limited to a maximum of 69 hours per month.

Salary Range: $32.41 per hour 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services.
• 3 years of professional experience working with vulnerable adults living with severe mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of governmental and private sector human services programs and systems; and principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care and strength-based, client-drive, recovery-focused treatment approaches

Individuals in this position are expected to:

• Support 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, racial equity, social justice and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations. Promote strength-based, client drive, recovery focused treatment approaches.
• Work in a field-based environment such as working from a vehicle, conducting home based visits, going into encampments, working on the streets or from shelters.

Special Requirements:

• 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 Prevention Training, or obtain within 90 days of employment.

• Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment.