Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist

About the Department

Under supervision of the Outreach Supervisor, the Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist provides outreach to individuals facing behavioral, housing, financial, legal and social service challenges.  Team members engage directly with people in crisis and responds with police, fire and EMS Personnel to deescalate situations and connect individuals to care instead of criminal justice actions.  Work hours may include variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.  

Position Duties

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops individualized care plans, coordinate with clinical providers and advocate for lasting solutions to promote dignity, safety and stability for those in need. 
• Respond to 911 calls involving individuals experiencing homelessness or behavioral health challenges when safety risks to responders are minimal
• Engages individuals that are displaying behavioral health conditions such as intoxication, or crisis behaviors; assess safety and stabilization needs. 
• Responds to service requests from police, fire, EMS, other first responders, or community members; provide alternative to arrest or hospitalization by linking individuals to appropriate services.  
• Builds and maintain strong working relationships with local service providers, including behavioral health treatment centers, crisis services, housing and veteran’s programs, and justice partners. 
• Serves as a liaison among city departments, community organizations, and service networks to enhance collaborative community response.
• Prepares detailed reports, correspondence, and data tracking related to outreach and case management activities. 
• Provides education and training to first responders and community groups on behavioral health conditions and engagement strategies.  
• May attend and testify at court hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Develop DSM-based clinical assessments and treatment plans to facilitate appropriate referrals.
• Participate in system planning, outreach initiatives, and the development of best practices for community-based intervention.  
• Create opportunities for, and participate in, community events with those engaged in our services.
• Provide transportation service for individuals when safe to do so and it’s necessary as part of linking to services or their continuing care plan.
• Maintain strict professional ethics, confidentiality, and boundaries while demonstrating cultural competence and trauma-informed care.  
• Maintain records of individuals served, services provided, case management activities conducted. Provide detailed reports, correspondence, and data tracking related to outreach and case management activities.   
• Consult with team members, IOS Supervisor and other agency professionals on people with complicated issues.  
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

• Prepare court affidavits for involuntary related client holds and/or behavioral health evaluations.  
• Assist police officers or Designated Crisis Responders constructing affidavits or related legal processes that are intended to restrict actions based on behavioral health circumstances. 
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and mental health evaluations and Substance use Disorder (SUDs) assessments consistent with licensure. 
• Provide clinical supervision to Supervise MSW interns as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

Graduate degree in Social Work or closely related field and two (2) years of professional experience in counseling and treating persons under the influence of controlled substances, intoxication and/or experiencing mental illness preferred OR and equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of: 

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. 
• General office policies, procedures, and equipment. 
• Applicable local, State, and regional resources and programs.
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette. 
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures. 
• Behavioral health conditions. 
• Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) guidelines. 
• Assessment and social casework techniques. 
• Conflict resolution principles and practices. 
• Principles, beliefs, and objectives for effective social service programming. 
• De-escalation and problem-solving techniques. 
• Interviewing and counseling practices and techniques relevant to the population served. 
• Special needs of homeless populations. 
• Presentation of mental illness related behaviors and appropriate clinical interventions. 
• Symptoms, common behavioral and social characteristics, and other manifestations of disabilities affecting the population served and appropriate techniques for providing a continuum of care.

Skill in:

• Understanding and applying motivational interviewing practices. 
• Applying assessment and social casework techniques. 
• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems. 
• Observing, evaluating, and interpreting behaviors. 
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public. 
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines. 
• Recognizing presentation of mental illness related behaviors and determining appropriate clinical interventions. 
• Preparing and presenting reports and making presentations to various audiences. 
• Maintaining composure in stressful situations. 
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy. 
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents. 
• Establishing and maintaining rapport with the population served.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.  
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses. 
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• SUDP certification preferred.
• Licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker preferred. 

BENEFITS: 

• Medical dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.  The entire application process will include:

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to participate in the Written Take Home Assessment and the Oral Boards.  Not all applicants will progress through the entire process.

Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. 

For additional information, or a complete job description, please click on  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug-free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment. 
The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.