Did you start your career wanting to make the world a better place? Is helping with the social justice needs of your community what motivates you?

We are seeking candidates who want to actively disrupt the behavioral health status quo by unabashedly developing and executing new ideas and practices for the citizens of Mount Vernon who are without homes; working side by side with Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department to help our most vulnerable citizens achieve their goals. Communities across the state have asked for law enforcement agencies to help their citizens in new and different ways. The Mount Vernon Police Department have been doing that for five years and we’re ready to expand!

JOB SUMMARY:

A non-uniformed, non-sworn employee performing professional, social work functions. The Outreach Specialist responds to people with mental and/or substance use disorders, behavioral, housing, financial and other social service needs. Duties include considerable public contact and are intended to bridge the gap between law enforcement and/or emergency medical response and the social needs of people within this population. Work hours include variable shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works primarily with individuals who are generally self-sufficient however reticent to engage in services or are extremely reticent due to untreated behavioral health issues.
• Provides first response to 9-1-1 police or fire/medical service calls where behavioral health or substance abuse appear the underlying factors and circumstances involving imminent risk of harm to others is not apparent.
• Engages individuals that are displaying behavioral health conditions and intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substances; makes referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinates service delivery.
• Responds to service requests from police, fire, EMS, or other first responders who encounter individuals who may benefit from social services as alternative to criminal justice actions; assesses individuals for immediate safety and stabilization needs and prepares assistance plans.
• Assesses individuals for immediate safety and stabilization needs and tailors assistance plans to the individual’s need; coordinates with the City’s Case Manager as needed.
• Develops a network of working relationships with voluntary outreach teams, Designated Mental Health Professionals, Skagit County Justice Center, Skagit County Crisis Center, behavioral health treatment providers, emergency housing providers, veteran’s services, and other social service providers.
• Coordinates service delivery plans with Traditional Care Provider Managers, SCCJC Jail Alternatives, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Professionals, Community Action case workers, Community Court Coordinators, and other system providers as deemed necessary.
• Responds to requests for information about available services for the homeless, mentally ill, and substance abusing populations and those with other human and social service needs. makes referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinate service delivery; assists with relocations.
• Provides outreach, engagement, and support to people seen on a reoccurring basis, which may require short term intensive case management; facilitates services for high-need individuals across all systems of care; consults with other agency professionals on difficult cases.
• Meets with and interviews individuals, families, and other care providers to assess needs and eligibility of services; serves as a liaison between contact, caregivers, and service providers.
• Assists the target population served with obtaining basic resources such as shelter, food, medical services, behavioral health treatment, and other social and human services as needed.
• Develops and recommends procedures for identifying and screening people with social service needs.
• Establishes and administers tracking systems for the target population and service providers; studies and analyzes program participation; collects and prepares data for outcome summaries.
• Prepares correspondence, records, and reports related to social services activities.
• Develops, recommends, plans, and organizes programs, policies, procedures, and projects that will assist in efficiently addressing the human and social service needs of the target population.
• Provides training to Officers and other first responders related to social service resources.
• May attend and testify at court hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Complete mental health assessments when applicable to facilitate client referral and/or enrollment in treatment.
• Construct court affidavits for involuntary related client holds and when appropriate provide the court professional opinions regarding observed behavior that may be useful in weighting against historical, provider treatment plans diagnosis.
• Assist police officers or Designated Crisis Responders constructing affidavits or related legal processes that are intended to restrict actions based on behavioral health circumstances.
• Create in-depth biopsychosocial for referral planning use, advocacy and linking to appropriate behavioral health services. Select clinical interventions/treatments/evidence-based practices as appropriate.
• Supervise MSW interns following the standards of each university involved as assigned by the supervisor.

• Graduate degree in Social Work or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in counseling and treating persons under the influence of controlled substances, intoxication and/or experiencing mental illness preferred.
• SUDP certification preferred.