About the position
The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) plays a crucial role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness who may have diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health concerns. This position involves working collaboratively with various community providers to connect clients to appropriate resources, address their mental health concerns, and provide crisis intervention when necessary. The BHS will also be responsible for follow-up services to ensure that individuals are effectively linked to the services they require. In this role, the BHS will identify and triage clients exhibiting signs or symptoms related to mental health issues. This includes collecting and interpreting information to facilitate connections to services available on the Human Services Campus or within the broader community. The BHS will perform clinical reconnections and work closely with the Behavioral Health Coordinator (BHC) regarding housing opportunities and clinical contacts. Monitoring client progress and collaborating with mental health and health professionals to adjust treatment plans is a key responsibility. The BHS will maintain detailed notes for all clients within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database and liaise with patrol officers, social workers, community members, and mental health providers as needed. Continuous professional development is encouraged, with opportunities to attend conferences, ongoing training, and networking with other mental health professionals. The BHS will also coordinate with hospitals and healthcare facilities prior to the discharge of mentally vulnerable individuals to ensure they are connected to necessary resources. Additionally, the BHS will provide case management to clients identified through the Coordinated Entry system and connect them to healthcare options such as Medicare, Medicaid, ALTCS, and SMI evaluations. Building and fostering healthy relationships with community partners, including mental and medical providers, housing providers, and social service agencies, is essential for success in this role.
Responsibilities
- Identify and triage clients experiencing signs or symptoms related to mental health.
- Collect and interpret information to connect clients to appropriate services.
- Perform clinical reconnections and collaborate with the Behavioral Health Coordinator regarding housing opportunities.
- Monitor client progress and liaise with mental health professionals to adjust treatment plans.
- Maintain detailed notes for all clients within the HMIS database.
- Liaise with patrol officers, social workers, and community members as needed.
- Expand knowledge of psychiatric disorders through conferences and ongoing training.
- Coordinate with hospitals and healthcare facilities prior to discharge of mentally vulnerable individuals.
- Provide case management to clients identified through the Coordinated Entry system.
- Connect clients to healthcare options including Medicare, Medicaid, ALTCS, and SMI evaluations.
- Foster relationships with community partners including mental/medical providers and housing providers.
- Apply critical thinking skills to overcome service barriers.
Requirements
- Behavioral Health Technician Certification is required.
- Some college credits in Human Services or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant employment experience.
- 2 years of experience providing homeless services or mental health services.
- Knowledge of the mental health system and local healthcare resources.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, work as a team player, and independently.
- Ability to multitask and maintain a calm demeanor in high-stress situations.
- Demonstrated personal responsibility and integrity, with sensitivity to cultural diversity.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills, with Spanish being a plus.
- Ability to handle sensitive material with confidentiality and sound judgment.
- Valid Driver's License with a clean 3-year MVR.
- Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Experience in crisis intervention.
