Alternative Response Behavioral Health Specialist

This employee provides field response in the community as a member of an Alternative Response to Crisis (ARC) team, dispatched by the City’s 911 Emergency Communications Center. ARC teams are a two-person team that respond to low-risk crisis calls for service (e.g., check someone's welfare, address basic needs issues, or provide connection to services). This employee is a licensed clinician working under administrative supervision of the Alternative Response Program Manager.

The employee serves as a clinician and care navigator, performing a comprehensive variety of professional techniques and skills. This employee assesses behavioral health presentation using diagnostic tools and clinical judgment. Performs related duties as required.

(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

• Principles, theories, and methods of the psychological and social development of individuals; substance use disorders and the physiological, psychological, and social impacts;
  Private and public community-based resources.
• Various treatment options, i.e. dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, among many other treatment options.
• Social history development and interviewing and treatment techniques appropriate for individuals with substance use and/or mental illness/serious emotional disturbance
• Counseling, assessment, and casework methodology Research methods and statistics. Community health resources.
• Principles and best practices of excellent customer service.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Core skills in motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapies;
• Operate a personal computer, calculator, and other office equipment.
• Demonstrate Empathy and Compassion:
  Possess a genuine desire to help community members in crisis.
• Respond to unpredictable situations and adjust to changing community needs. Handle a variety of situations with professionalism.

• Determine the proper resources needed depending on the type of problem.
• Prioritize calls and requests by degree of hazard to public safety.
• Use provided mobile devices(s) to receive data from 911/311 staff, and complete reports.
• Learn the City’s general geographic areas and utilize reference materials such as maps and street locators.
• Remain calm under pressure, assess situations, and make informed decisions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, clients, community groups, and the general public.
• Establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
  Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Develop a client-centered treatment plan. Exercise independent judgment to apply expertise in conducting initial assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent referrals.
• Establish a diverse network of health care, forensic, law enforcement, community resources to formulate a holistic treatment event.
• Participate in client counseling, interviewing, and assessment techniques.
• Perform behavioral health and risk assessments and apply evidence based/informed treatment approaches/modalities;
  Speak in public to a variety of audiences.

Each applicant must have a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the social work, counseling, or one of the social sciences or a related field.

In Addition, The Applicant Must Possess One Of The Following Licenses Under The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, And Marriage And Family Therapist Board

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

In lieu of one of the above licenses, an applicant must possess one of the following under the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board

• Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC)

• Must have experience in crisis management, knowledge of crisis management. Experience with domestic violence counseling, opiate dependence, dual diagnosis
• Must have and maintain a…