Behavioral Health Crisis Responder

Behavioral Health Crisis Responder

Salary

$104,436.80 - $147,035.20 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

P0110-23

Department

Fire

Division

Fire

Opening Date

05/04/2023

Closing Date

5/22/2023 5:00 PM Pacific

• Benefits
• Description
• Questions

Position Description

To hear more about this amazing department click HERE (https://on.soundcloud.com/b3928) and listen to what Aleesia has to say about the Behavioral Health program.

The Behavioral Health Crisis Responder is part of a behavioral health alternative response team that aims to reduce the frequency of behavioral health crises routed through the 911 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system. Duties will include telephonic and in-person screening, assessments, and individual therapy and counseling for patients to treat broad array of behavioral health disorders, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring illnesses. This position develops and implements patient-centered plans of care in a team setting, and coordinates care among internal/external multidisciplinary care partners. Facilitate safe care transitions in the community and educate patients and family on treatment, symptoms, and response from psychotherapy.

Key Duties

• Communicate on a regular and timely basis with supervisors, other staff, consumers, their families, community supports, and with professionals outside the agency.
• Demonstrate effective de-escalation techniques, utilization of crisis intervention skills, conduct risk assessments, mental health evaluation and mental status examination for development of individualized safety plans and treatment recommendations to ensure client and community safety.
• Collaborate with community providers, emergency rooms, evaluation and treatment facilities, and housing programs to provide holistic, patient-centered care and coordination of wraparound services. Develop and maintain working relationship with all community partners.
• Respond as a member of a two-person team to non-emergent behavioral health crisis. This will include mental health crisis, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Efficiently assess the crisis, divert to voluntary or less restrictive alternative treatment, and prevent hospitalization or incarceration. Mobile crisis intervention and stabilization services will be in varied environments in the community.
• Exhibit well-developed skills in managing time, priorities, and paperwork; excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment and the demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with external partners while abiding by all confidentiality laws and pertinent codes of conduct. Maintains clinical competency and resource knowledge required to meet changing consumer, community, and industry trends.
• Provide direct clinical and case management services to include safety planning, treatment recommendations, connection to housing and stabilization, transportation to voluntary services, facilitate the transition of care to on-going mental health support services and offer liaison support to individuals seen on a recurring basis that require short-term intensive case management.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Working conditions include both an indoor and outdoor environment.
• Outreach and engagement may take place in locations not intended for human habitation.
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Specific schedule will be determined with direct supervisor.
• Incumbents in this position may be subjected to hazardous chemicals, adverse weather conditions, communicable diseases and possible verbal and physical abuse from hostile and disorientated persons, as well as those who may be under the influence of illicit drugs or have an undiagnosed/diagnosed behavioral health condition.
• Requires manual dexterity, balance, eyesight and hearing.
• This position may drive a mobile unit vehicle or other vehicle (that is provided by the city).

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?

The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:

• Personal time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
• A great pension plan.
• Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
• Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or social work or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

5 years of experience in mental health and substance use counseling

Licensing, Certifications And Other Requirements

Telemedicine training per RCW43.70.495

Pre-employment background check and drug screen

Licensed Mental Health Professional or Licensed Advanced Social Worker per WAC 275-55-100 or WAC 246-809

Licensed by State of Washington Department of Health RCW 18.225, WAC 246-809

State of Washington Driver's License

• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge & Skills

• Exhibit well-developed skills in managing time, priorities, and paperwork.
• Demonstrate effective de-escalation techniques, utilization of crisis intervention skills and assist with the development of individualized safety plans and treatment recommendations to ensure person and community safety.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment and demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with external partners while abiding by all confidentiality laws and pertinent codes of conduct.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Maintains clinical competency and resource knowledge required to meet the changing trends among the people receiving services/supports, the community, and the industry.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To Be Considered For This Opportunity

Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that describes responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

NOTE: Applications received without the required resume and cover letter will not progress in the selection process. FIRST APPLICATION REVIEW will be May 18, 2023.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in an interview. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and drug screen.

Supplemental questions regarding an applicant's experience and training are also included in the application form. These questions will be used to assess candidate minimum qualifications and to provide additional information to the hiring managers regarding candidate experience.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Our City

With a population over 210,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, our schools are exceptional and our housing is affordable.

When you work for the City of Tacoma you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/

http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication From The City Of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the application process, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. For questions regarding the position, please contact Aleesia Morales at [email protected].

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

This supplemental questionnaire will be used as a tool to screen applications prior to an in-depth look at your application materials. Do not refer to your resume in lieu of answering these questions. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the hiring process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.

• No
• Yes

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Associate's degree
• Master's degree
• None of the above
• High school or GED
• Bachelor's degree
• Some College
• PhD or other

03

Do you have a a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or social work from an accredited educational program?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience in substance use and mental health counseling?

• Less than two years
• Two to four years
• Ten or more years
• Five to seven years
• Four to five years
• Eight to ten years
• Seven to eight years

05

Are you currently a Licensed Mental Health Professional or Licensed Advanced Social Worker as defined by WAC 275-55-100 or WAC 246-809 and Currently licensed by the State of Washington Department of Health RCW 18.225, WAC 246-809

• No
• Yes

06

Did you complete telemedicine training per RCW 43.70.495?

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your experience working with high-risk populations, who have complex medical needs.

08

This role requires in-person interactions with patients who have psychiatric disorders and behavioral conditions. What skills and tactics would you use in your interactions with these patients?

09

What kinds of experiences have you had in relating with people whose backgrounds (ethnic, racial, special needs, cultural) are different than your own? What do you bring to this position that will contribute to a inclusive equitable workplace environment?

10

Are you multilingual (the ability to communicate in a language other than English)?

• No
• Yes

11

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Indeed
• Retirement Job Network
• Instagram
• Careers in Government
• Professional organization
• Online job board posting
• Facebook
• LGBT Job Network
• Government Jobs
• National Diversity Network
• Asian Job Network
• Job Interest Card notification
• City of Tacoma employee
• Disability Job Network
• Word of mouth
• Latino Job Network
• Outreach Event
• Military organization
• African American Job Network
• LinkedIn
• Other
• Veteran Job Network

12

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Agency

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.cityoftacoma.org

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