Under the general supervision of a behavioral health service provider and the operational supervision of Poulsbo Fire Department, the Community Support Specialist will respond to people with mental health, substance use, and other behavioral health needs as part of the CARES Unit for Poulsbo Fire District. This is a full-time position staffed by Believe In Recovery.
Job duties include considerable public contact and are intended to bridge the gap between emergency medical response and/or law enforcement and the needs of the people with behavioral health issues. The Community Support Specialist will accompany the Poulsbo CARES Unit's firefighter/EMT to assist individuals referred by first responders throughout North Kitsap. Work will be reviewed, by the Poulsbo Fire Department, through conferences, analysis of reports and observations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Cultivate contacts and establish and maintain positive, effective, collaborative working relationships with Poulsbo Fire Department, South Kitsap Fire & Rescue and Police Department personnel, other fire and police department personnel, behavioral health providers, other healthcare providers, social service agencies, homeless shelters, and community service and faith-based groups to assist individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and other behavioral health issues.
- Establish and maintain rapport with the populations served.
- Provide information, non-clinical consultation and referral.
- Respond to requests for information from first responders and the public about available services.
- Promote best practices in engagement approaches, support systems and interventions.
- Meet with and interview contacts, families and other care providers to assess needs and eligibility for services.
- Advocate needs of individuals within and outside system; liaise between individuals in need of assistance, caregivers and service providers. Provide client-level and system-wide troubleshooting for advocacy.
- Follow-up with identified individuals in an effort to coordinate care.
- Consult with other agency professionals on difficult cases.
- Prepare and maintain records, case notes and reports related to activities; maintain confidential and sensitive information.
- Work with the Poulsbo Fire CARES Unit to collect and analyze data.
- Work with the Poulsbo Fire CARES Unit to plan and staff community events.
- Provide training for fire and partner emergency response personnel.
Required knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Modern office practices and computer applications.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other departments and city staff, city officials and the public.
- Work effectively in team environments.
- Express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
- View and address the total spectrum of service needs.
- Exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, problem solving and decision making within the scope of assigned authority.
- Effectively identify and resolve conflict.
- Maintain detailed records and prepare clear, concise written reports.
- Support diversity and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace and the community.
Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in social work. Two years experience working with mentally ill and chemically dependent individuals is preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,800.00 - $83,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid orientation
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
Work Location: In person