Behavioral Health Specialist (ANCHOR)

General SummaryThis role operates as part of the Charlottesville Co-Responder Team (a mental health crisis response team) comprised of a Firefighter/EMS Provider, a Mental Health Clinician, and a Police Officer. Responds to mental health crisis calls and assists outside agencies with service delivery to the public. Performs responsible professional work in the support and assistance of individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, and/or substance use crisis and assists clients with personal, social, health, and economic needs. Reports to an ANCHOR Supervisor or Deputy Director of Human Services.Preferred BenefitsThe preferred hiring amount for this position is between $27.08 - $31.29 ($56,309.22 - $65,062.97). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits:Choice of retirement plan:Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation PlanEligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit PlanThe City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.Essential Responsibilities And DutiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.Responds to 911 calls related to behavioral health, mental health, and substance use crises, as part of the ANCHOR co-response team, using people-centered and trauma-informed crisis intervention strategies.Provides appropriate and competent support to individuals experiencing non-violent, mental and behavioral health crises, substance use crises, Intellectual Developmental Disability crises, or quality of life crises.Meets with clients to establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship that is person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed.Engages in de-escalation techniques to support stabilization and reduce risk of harm to individuals and others. Gathers relevant information and collaborates with team members to support evaluation of individuals in crisis and development of appropriate response strategies. Follows-up to ensure that connections are made to services and supports based on peer choice and clinician assessment. Facilitates warm handoffs to other services as needed.Advocates for individuals in crisis by supporting access to services, reducing barriers to treatment, and promoting appropriate use of community resources. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation in accordance with City policies and applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Develops and maintains clear, open, and timely communications and working relationships with clients, staff, and partner agencies. Receives, answers, and transmits radio, telephone, and other means of communication effectively.Works collaboratively with ANCHOR team members and community partners to support service delivery and assist with developing response plans. Participate in administrative supervision, case conferences, staff meetings, in-service training, and other staff development activities. Integrates peer voices in planning, policy, and evaluation conversations. Participates in community outreach and education efforts related to behavioral health crisis response.Position is considered essential emergency personnel. This position is required to work during emergency situations and may have regular on-call periods and is subject to be recalled for work at any time.Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.Regular and reliable attendance.Other DutiesPerforms additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.Education, Experience And SkillsEducation and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education such as college.Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, human services, or related field AND some experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related challenges.ORAssociate’s degree in social work, psychology, human services or related field AND 2 years of experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related challenges.ORHigh School diploma or GED AND 3 years of experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related challenges.ORAn equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.Preferred:Completion of a mental health certificate programs, peer support specialist certificate, or related education.Current QMHP certification in Virginia.Experience in crisis intervention, emergency response, or co-response models. Training in Crisis Intervention (CIT), Motivational Interviewing, or similar approaches. Experience working with diverse and underserved populations, including individuals impacted by homelessness, substance use, or justice involvement. Familiarity with local behavioral health and community resource systems/services. Bilingual (Spanish strongly preferred).Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other CharacteristicsJob KnowledgeKnowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered, and recovery-oriented approaches to crisis response.Knowledge of community-based behavioral health, substance use, and social service resources available to support individuals in crisis.Knowledge of counseling and social work principles and practices, crisis intervention and behavior change techniques.Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness (i.e. aggressive talk and behavior, auditory and visual hallucinations, thoughts of self-harm or harm towards others, isolations, etc.) and methods and techniques used in crisis intervention and de-escalation.Knowledge of community services and facilities available for clients served. Knowledge of human behavior and of current social, economic, and health problems of the community served.Knowledge of applicable City, State, and Federal regulations, policies, procedures, HIPPA laws, and best practices. ReadingIntermediate: Ability to read and understand complex written materials, such as policies, regulations, and professional articles/journals.WritingIntermediate: Ability to organize data, maintain case records, and write clear and concise reports and prepare explanations and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.MathIntermediate: Ability to work with, understand, and apply simple formulas to process financial documentation related to client services, reimbursements, and prepare statistical reports.Communication SkillsIntermediate: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, co-workers, city staff, elected officials, other agencies, and the public. Provide and receive standard to more complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring significant tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Requires recognizing different points of view to ensure understanding and appropriate response. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Ability to effectively engage individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, or substance use crises using de-escalation and trauma-informed communication techniques.Independence and Decision-MakingRequires Limited Direction: Normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond appropriately in dynamic, high-stress, and potentially unpredictable crisis situations. Case management is completed with little oversight and may be reviewed periodically.Technical SkillsSkilled: comprehensive knowledge of techniques for interviewing, counseling and investigating problems. Uses analytical judgment to develop comprehensive courses of action for families. Apply understanding of individual and group behavior and social, economic and health problems. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications and department software. Skill in utilizing crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to support stabilization and reduce risk of harm.Fiscal ResponsibilitiesNo budgetary or fiscal responsibilities.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNo responsibility for supervision of others. May occasionally assist in the training of other staff, volunteers and student interns and serves as a peer advisor.Other CharacteristicsOrganization and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary co-response team alongside public safety personnel.Ability to exercise good judgment in stressful and difficult situations.Constant interruptions and requests for service.Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.Requires dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.Works effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.Requires on-call and emergency response and respond within certain timeframes.May work a non-traditional or changing work schedule, based on operational need.May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include weekends, mornings, nights, evenings, and/or holidays.Physical Conditions & Additional InformationPhysical DemandsSedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to life, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.Ability to occasionally move about various uneven terrains, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl; handle, grasp, lift or operate objects, tools, or controls;; reach and stretch with hands and arms with a full range of motion.Ability to smell hazardous materials, and contraband (e.g., alcohol on the breath).Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinet. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned such as a two-way radio. May require the need to wear or utilize personal protective equipment and other specialty equipment during appropriate situations.Work Environment:Work is performed in a combination of office and field environments, including client homes, public spaces, other agency facilities, and court settings. Office work may involve extended periods of computer use and exposure to typical conditions such as monitor glare and dust. Field work includes regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, fumes, airborne particles, bloodborne pathogens, toxic or caustic substances, vibration, and in/around traffic or roadways. Work may involve responding to unpredictable, high-stress, and potentially dangerous situations, including interaction with individuals in crisis. The noise level is typically moderate but may vary depending on the work environment. The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City’s policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City’s policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.