Behavioral Health Crisis Responder

South County Fire in Everett WA is currently recruiting for a Behavioral Health Crisis Responder.

Core Values:

All employees of South County Fire are expected to hold themselves accountable for upholding and demonstrating our core values at all times: Integrity Humility Compassion Family and Trust.

Summary:

The Behavioral Health Crisis Responder supports the Community-Based Crisis Team (CBCT) by providing on-scene crisis support de-escalation social service coordination and linkage to community resources. The Crisis Responder works under the direct supervision and oversight of a Lead Mental Health Professional (MHP) and collaborates with Certified Peer Counselors Paramedics and other responders to assist individuals experiencing behavioral health substance use or social crises.This position is grant-based funded for 36 months with funding up for renewal after 36 months.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Co-respond with the CBCT team (MHPs Certified Peer Counselors Police and Fire/EMS personnel) to behavioral health and social crisis calls in the community.
• Engage individuals in crisis using trauma-informed person-centered and culturally responsive approaches.
• Provide social work functions including resource navigation referral coordination and connection to mental health housing and substance use services.
• Assist in de-escalation stabilization and safety planning under MHP supervision.
• Coordinate with hospitals crisis stabilization centers detox facilities shelters and community providers to ensure appropriate disposition.
• Document encounters interventions and follow-up plans in accordance with department and Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) policies ensuring compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Participate in team debriefings supervision and case review meetings with the Lead MHP.
• Support data collection and reporting requirements for quality assurance and program evaluation.
• Maintain working knowledge of local behavioral health systems resources and eligibility pathways.
• Participate in continuing education department training and performance evaluations as required.
• Participate in daily check-ins case reviews and supervision meetings.

Qualifications:

• Must meet the statutory definition of aMental Health Professional (MHP)as defined inRCW 71.05.020(41). Examples include: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate (LICSWA) Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW).
• Understanding of trauma-informed care harm reduction and recovery-oriented principles

• Effectively engage with individuals experiencing crisis homelessness substance use or mental health symptoms.
• Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
• Document accurately and timely in electronic record systems.
• Commitment to equity inclusion and culturally competent service delivery.
• CPR/First Aid and Naloxone administration (training provided upon hire).
• Maintain a valid drivers license good driving record in order to drive program vehicles

Education and Experience:
Masters degree or higher in social work psychology counseling psychiatric nursing or another behavioral-health discipline from an accredited college or university and a minimum of one (1) year of experience providing case management social services crisis intervention or community outreach in behavioral health or social services settings.

Special Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid Washington State Drivers License with acceptable driving record.
• Must pass a formal criminal background check for both Lynnwood Police and South County Fire.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a mobile crisis Co-Responder or outreach program.
• Familiarity with Washington State crisis response system 988 integration and WAC 182-140 requirements.
• Training or certification in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) de-escalation or motivational interviewing.
• Bilingual or bicultural proficiency relevant to South Snohomish County communities.

The employee is regularly required to stand walk use hands to manipulate handle or operate objects controls or tools as listed above reach with hands and arms climb balance stoop kneel or crouch. Must be able to assist patients and lift when necessary utilizing lift assistance activities require the ability to sit for long periods of time and move throughout the office or field; ability to perform manipulative skills required for word processing; ability to lift carry and maneuver various educational supplies and equipment up to 50 pounds; ability to read computer screen various documents and forms; hearing and speech abilities to effectively communicate and perform duties.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This position is established in accordance with the staffing and supervision standards outlined in WAC for Community-Based Crisis Teams. All services are delivered under the clinical oversight of a Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) and a Lead Mental Health Professional meeting the definition in RCW 71.05.020

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

South County Fire is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment South County Fire will ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided upon request to persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application interview or testing process please contact the HR Manager at