Mental Health Engagement Specialist - Forensic Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness

Frontier Behavioral Health’s presence in Spokane is more than 100 years strong, allowing our non-profit organization to understand the varied needs of our clients and the larger community.  Our programs are designed to provide evidence-based treatment to adults, youth and seniors who are dealing with a wide range of behavioral health issues.  As a Trauma-Informed Care Organization, we firmly believe in recovery and that our clients can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, and we consider it an honor and a privilege to assist them in their journey.  If you want to have a positive impact in the lives of others come join us!





WHY CHOOSE FRONTIER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH?

• At Frontier Behavioral Health, we value our employees and recognize the importance of EVERY employee’s contribution to our mission.

• Our behavioral health services make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to the health, safety, and quality of life for everyone in Spokane County.

• At FBH we have a variety of client services, including outpatient, inpatient, community outreach, crisis services, partnerships with schools, law enforcement and more.

• Our evidence-based, culturally appropriate, trauma informed behavioral health services address the diverse needs of those we serve.





The Mental Health Engagement Specialist for Trueblood operates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to include Forensic Housing and recovery through Peer Services (FHARPS) and Forensic Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (FPATH).

The Mental Health Engagement Specialist provides behavioral health services to individuals to generate referrals and promote client engagement. They engage with community partners and local hospitals to assist in the referral process and reduce barriers to Trueblood services. They assist in screening referrals for minimum program criteria and provide crisis intervention and stabilization services in a crisis if needed. Assistance and support include, but is not limited to, engagement, supportive listening, psychoeducation, skill building, crisis assessment and intervention, resource education, community referrals, and short term follow up with individuals in office or community-based settings.

The Mental Health Engagement Specialist is a member of a multidisciplinary team which includes housing specialists, mental health professionals, and certified peer counselors who have lived experience in behavioral health recovery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Co-outreach with current Trueblood staff to potential Trueblood enrollees in jails and the community to build rapport, explain Trueblood program services, and reduce barriers to enrollment.

2. Conduct regular outreach support including but not limited to the following:

• Outreach to encampments, street-based, or other community-based locations;

• In-reach to jails, hospitals, participant housing, and/or other facilities where participants may frequent;

• Locate, build rapport, and enroll new FPATH referrals;

• Locate and re-engage enrolled FPATH participants who are out of contact with the FPATH team;

• Act as a liaison to FNs and DNs; and

• Track active and inactive referrals and coordinating with FPATH teams.

3. Attend court with enrollees and, when requested, provide information about the contractor's program and resources.

4. Outreach enrollees as they begin the program and if they disengage from services, re-engage and encourage completion of program.

5. Collaborate with system partners to include FHARPS, FPATH, OCRP, and DSHS Forensic Navigators.

6. Provide any services for FHARPS or FPATH when time allows or as appropriate. Facilitate and co-facilitate client treatment groups.

7. Provide episodic, trauma-informed, person-centered counseling utilizing evidence-based practices within scope of practice.

8. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with; clinical, administrative and support staff, community partners, clients, and family/natural supports.

9. Conduct presentations on FHARPS and FPATH process and services to courts or other legal system partners.

10. Maintain client records and all other required documentation in a timely and confidential manner, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

11. Conduct risk assessments, develop and implement safety plans, and provide crisis intervention and stabilization services as needed, including facilitating access to inpatient facilities for behavioral health care.

12. Assist clients with developing and implementing safety plans and facilitating access to inpatient facilities for behavioral health care.

13. Participate in required staff meetings, including regular supervision and weekly clinical staff meetings.

14. Requires travel to see clients in the community and travel between work sites either via FBH owned Vehicles and/or personal vehicle

15. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

• Must apply for a Counselor Agency Affiliated – Registered credential from the WA State Department of Health within 30 days of hire.

• Must have an unrestricted and valid driver’s license, be able to pass a motor vehicle screening and driving test, have active car insurance, and be willing to use their personal vehicle in the course of work. 

PREFERRED:

• One year of experience working with people with a psychiatric impairment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes and statutes pertaining to the treatment and delivery of mental health services.

• Must possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to send and receive oral and written messages, in a clear, positive, prompt, and appropriate manner, while maintaining customer confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to apply active listening techniques conveying respect, professionalism, engagement skills, positive attitude, and empathy.

PHYSICAL, SENSORY & ENVIRONMENTAL:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position provides client services in community settings on a daily basis. 

• Community settings include but are not limited to residences, group/congregate living settings, hospitals, shelters, the streets or anywhere in the community at large.

• Some environments may not be ideal in terms of cleanliness or being habitable.

• Daily travel between locations is required.

• The ability to drive a vehicle, traverse distances up to several city blocks and on various terrains, navigate stairs, get in and out of vehicles frequently is required.

•  Daily use of a computer is required. May be required to lift 10 - 20 pounds. 

• Blood-borne Pathogen Category III - No predictable exposure to blood-borne pathogens.





PAY RANGE (Hourly/ Non-Exempt): $25.89-$31.53

 

All pay is based on longevity at Frontier Behavioral Health; thus the starting pay is $25.89 per hour.





Our Benefits and Perks are Amazing!

​WE BELIEVE IN WORK LIFE BALANCE:

• Paid Time Off – Employees accrue up to 26 days of PTO in the first year of employment!

• Plus 9 Paid Federal Holidays!

• Sick Leave – Extended Sick Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Time.

• Some positions qualify for a Compressed Workweek option resulting in up to additional 26 days off per year.

BENEFITS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/benefits 

• Medical, Dental and Vision

• Retirement – We offer an impressive 403b plan including standard 3% employer contribution plus an additional 3% employer match.

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life Insurance – Company paid coverage that starts the first of the month following 6 months from your date of hire.

PERKS: www.fbhwa.org/careers/perks 

• Signing Bonus!

• No-cost licensure supervision for those pursuing clinical licensure.

• Federal and State Loan Forgiveness Program for qualifying Programs.

• Reimbursement of License/Certification application fee that is required for the position.

• Free Employee Assistance Program

• Staff Discounts at various FBH partners throughout Spokane!

Benefits described above are based on employees who hold .5 FTE positions or greater and/or some benefits vary based on FTE. PRN positions are not benefit eligible or eligible for a sign on bonus.