Hybrid Behavioral Health Specialist - Mental Health Court bei Whatcom County, WA

About the Department

Whatcom County Health and Community Services is hiring for the position of Behavioral Health Specialist, working in the Mental Health Court program (MHC) and Mental Health Sentencing Alternatives (MHSA). This position provides screening, outreach, long-term engagement and supportive services for participants through intensive case management activities while establishing with and participating in Mental Health Court and the therapeutic court process. Collaboration with the participant, program partners, judicial system, service providers, housing providers and other community organizations is essential to this position.   

Essential Job 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 been referred to the Mental Health Court (MHC) program and for Mental Health Sentencing Alternatives (MHSA) screening, who have legal charges and are impacted by a serious mental illness. 
• 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.

• Provides needs assessment and program screening to develop an Individual Services Plan (ISP) and collaborate with community providers and contracted providers to implement (ISP).   
• Actively participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to assess client needs and create wrap around support services. Develops and implements ISP for each participant, which addresses required services for Mental Health Court/Mental Health Sentencing Alternatives. 
• Facilities weekly staffing for MHC and prepares for court calendar in coordination with the judicial officers, assigned prosecuting and defense attorneys and probation officers.   Monitors and reports participants’ progress to team. Meets with case managers and MHC members for progress and phase reviews on a regular basis.
• Provides advocacy and support for participants within the social service, medical and criminal justice system including attending all MHC 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.
• Provides coordination for transportation and accompanies 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).   Records and documents in electronic records system and weekly charting document. 
• 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 while working within the framework of Mental Health Court policies and procedures, therapeutic court best practices and statute guidelines for MHSA.  
• For Mental Health Court calendars, staffing and applications, serves as point of contact and primary liaison with community case managers, assigned defense and prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement, probation, judicial officers, community.
• Coordinates and facilitates groups that follow the Enhanced Illness Management and recovery Model and other therapeutic supports required by MHC program.  
• Conducts outreach with community partners to complete intake and screening assessments for individuals referred to program, supports reengagement with the program, and locates and attempts to engage referred individuals.

Supervisor: Mental Health Court Program Manager 

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM 

For more information, please review:

• Generic job description 

• Supplemental job description

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements:

• 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.
• Relate to severely disturbed and/or difficult persons in order to determine appropriate behavioral health services, and establish and maintain rapport with those experiencing symptoms of substance use and/or mental illness in order to determine appropriate community resources and services.
• Work collaboratively across the justice system and maintain relationships with the MHC member, prosecuting and defense attorneys, judicial officers, law enforcement and community providers. 
• Support diversity and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations.
• 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.

• Master’s degree in social work, social sciences or other field directly related to human services.
  
  

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein

Other Qualifications

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family 
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information