Job Information
City of Mount Vernon Outreach Specialist in Mount Vernon, Washington
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 has been doing that for five years and we're ready to expand!
We are actively recruiting for an Outreach Specialist. Applicants that hold an MSW will perform additional duties as outlined below under Additional Functions for Outreach Specialist MSW.
*Salary: *
Outreach Specialist $5,212 - $6,859
Outreach Specialist-MSW $5,863 - $6,859
* 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.
Under supervision of the Outreach Supervisor, the Outreach Specialist engages with and assists the population of Mount Vernon struggling with homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and other social service needs.
EXAMPLES OF FUNCTIONS: * *Essential functions 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. 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