Mental Health Professional

You will be responsible for working alongside the Port of Seattle Police Department’s (POSPD) Officers and Crisis Care Coordinator in support of the unsheltered community and those in crisis. You will help facilitate connections to local resources/services and coordinate case management with POSPD.

• You will accompany law enforcement officers to assist individuals with mental health, substance use, people experiencing homelessness and other social service needs.
• You will provide outreach, engagement, and support to individuals in need and make referrals to appropriate service providers. 
• You will promote best practices in treatment approaches, support systems and interventions as well as advocate needs and liaise between individuals, caregivers, and service providers.
• You will follow up with identified individuals and/or emergency medical contacts and social service providers. 
• You will study and analyze program participation, prepare recommendations and reports for improving existing and development of new programs.
• You will review statistical data and identify future trends and prepare data for reports and outcome summaries.
• You will provide information, consultation and referral for officers and staff, determining the appropriateness of a service contract or agreement with professionals with expertise in crisis case management.
• You will conduct training sessions for officers and staff on methods for dealing with population served, and training on social service resources.
• You may provide information to courts and attorneys, may attend, and testify at court hearings or other legal proceedings, as needed. 

Two years of experience may be substituted for one year of education:

• Experienced – You have two (2) years of experience working in behavioral health, chemical dependency, and/or with unsheltered populations.
• Educated – You possess a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field. You also have one or more of the following licenses active in the State of Washington:
  •    Advanced Social Worker
  •    Independent Clinical Social Worker
  •    Mental Health Counselor
• Desired – We hope you have five (5) or more years of experience working with individuals with mental illness, homelessness, and/or chemically dependent. We also hope you have an awareness of available local resources in and around the area. 
• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.  At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
• Knowledgeable in Mental Health – You can identify symptoms of behavioral and social characteristics affecting populations served. You understand methods and philosophies related to providing social services and community service programs related to mental health challenges, homelessness and substance reliance. 
• Problem Solver – You are skilled in identifying the best solutions to address problems, apply conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to result in the best possible outcomes. 
• Personable Communicator – You possess excellent verbal and written communications skills, public speaking skills, and ability to provide presentations and facilitation. You know how to communicate with diverse populations and address issues on a spectrum of social needs. 
• Analytical – You are great at effectively preparing reports and presenting findings as well as analyzing programs, policies, and procedures to meet operational needs.