Address
Form of workThe City of Issaquah is currently seeking a Licensed Mental Health Professional/Social Worker- Co-Responder to add to our growing Human Services team. The Issaquah City Council recently adopted funding for additional Human Services Behavioral Health staff to create a Co-Responder Program that will work in close collaboration with Issaquah Police Department and community organizations to support the needs of residents in behavioral health crisis. The Licensed Mental Health Professional/Social Worker- Co-Responder position is responsible for helping with crisis de-escalation and stabilization of community members who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The position is intended to serve as liaison between multiple City Departments, social service providers, and the community members in need of accessing social services. Flexible schedule available in the mornings or in the afternoons with the possibility of four (4) day schedule with ten (10) hours/day shifts after 90 days of employment.
Benefits:
On top of a competitive salary, the City offers excellent benefits including the following:
- Excellent low- and high-deductible medical plan options, free for you and low cost to add your whole family.
- Employer HSA contributions (with high-deductible medical plan): $3350 individual/$6650 family.
- 100% employer paid dental and vision.
- Generous vacation and sick time, plus 40 hours of management leave yearly and 14 paid holidays.
- Participation in the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) with employer contribution.
- $200/month match into a 457b deferred compensation account.
- And more!
Working Conditions
Work is performed both in an office setting and, in the field, accompanying staff or first responders to designated areas in a vehicle, or on foot. Incumbents are exposed to inclement weather conditions, uneven terrain and must be prepared to respond to unpredictable situations. Varying work schedules may be required.
This position will remain open until filled.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
- Provide crisis de-escalation and stabilization to community members who are in a behavioral health crisis.
- Provide outreach, assessment, engagement and follow along support to individuals with behavioral health needs, individuals who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Make referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinate service delivery.
- Assist individuals with successfully accessing community resources based on individual needs, including but not limited to connection to behavioral health services, housing, treatment services, employment services, basic needs services, etc.
- Follow-up with identified individuals and/or emergency medical professionals and social service providers. Advocate on behalf of individuals and caregivers and ensure smooth transition and engagement with services.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to cultivate and establish positive and effective working relationships.
- Participate in case consultations and program evaluation meetings.
- Provide information, resources, support, and referrals to various City departments.
- Promote best practices in treatment approaches, support systems and interventions.
- Prepare, submit and/or present written materials and reports for a variety of audiences, including service providers, medical personnel, Jail, Courts, attorneys, police officers and supervisors, Department Directors, Mayor, or City Council.
- Provide information to courts and attorneys, as needed. May attend and testify at court hearings or other legal proceedings.
- Participate in program development and ongoing program evaluation. Act as integral part of the team and help design, implement, maintain, and evaluate all aspects of this program, consistent with Division, Department and City goals, and in compliance with applicable regulations and laws.
- Collect information and ensure data entry into program tracking system. Study and analyze program participation, including identifying trends and tracking target goals and performance measures. Prepare recommendations and reports for improving existing and development of new programs. Prepare status reports and outcome summaries.
- Coordinate with other City of Issaquah Departments in a multi-faceted and cooperative approach to achieve City Goals.
- Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field.
- Three years' experience in working with individuals with behavioral health needs and/or individuals who are homeless.
- Three years of experience in program coordination and planning, or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.
- Ability to conduct suicide/homicide risk assessments and safety planning, or the ability to obtain training within 90 days of hire.
- Experience working with community members with Limited English Proficiency is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession within 90 days of hire and ability to maintain valid licensure in the State of Washington of one of the following:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)
- Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT),
- Another related independent license including nursing, psychiatry, psychology, etc.
- Valid Washington State driver's license with driving record free from serious or frequent violations.
- Successful completion of a pre-hire background screening to include fingerprinting and a full criminal background check.
- Thorough knowledge of local and regional community and human services programs, resources, and systems to include a wide range of populations including individuals with behavioral health conditions, persons with limited incomes, and limited English proficiency, individuals who are homeless, or have limited supports.
- Ability to develop and implement programs to assist in meeting the health and human services needs of City residents seeking emergency services.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local behavioral health applicable laws and regulations.
- Knowledge and skills in conducting psycho-social assessments, treatment planning, behavioral health interventions, transition and discharge planning, and clinical case note writing.
- Conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and problem-solving.
- Knowledge and competency in lifespan development, multi-cultural service delivery, behavioral health symptoms and social characteristics affecting the population served.
- Mental health behaviors and appropriate clinical interventions. Substance use disorder process and appropriate treatment approaches.
- Knowledge of needs and services for persons who are homeless.
- Awareness of cultural navigation services and ability to access them to benefit clients served.
- Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability Income guidelines.
- Community systems and resources.
- Judicial procedures, corrections environment.
- Safety practices and policies, applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Writing and research techniques. Grant application and administration; contract administration.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Bonus: ability to speak a second language.
- Ability to meet schedules and timelines
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment with multiple projects and inter-related community goals.
