Social Services Specialist – Peer Outreach
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Social Service
Posted on September 19, 2024
Salary
$28.69 - $36.37 Hourly
Location
Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2024NM21826
Department
DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs
Division
Behavioral Health and Recovery
Opening Date
09/18/2024
Closing Date
10/11/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Part Time
King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.
DCHS manages a wide range of programs and services to assist the county's most vulnerable residents. The department maintains a pro-equity focus aimed at developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all county residents, regardless of race, gender identity or income.
We are seeking Social Services Specialists to join our Behavioral Health Outreach Program (BHOP) team within the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) . BHOP consists of three teams that respond to behavioral health crises that occur in assigned patrol areas within King County. The teams provide assistance and/or intervention to persons who are experiencing crisis, homelessness, and/or behavioral health issues. Interventions include community engagement, outreach, de-escalation, screening by visual inspection and brief conversation to determine the need for services and referrals for service.
There are three teams within this program:
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
This position will be filled as a Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position with a projected end date of December 31, 2025.
Who May Apply: These positions are open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.
Required Application Materials:
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Jalynn, HR Analyst, at jalydavis@kingcounty.gov.
Work Schedule/Conditions: These positions are .80 full-time, scheduled to work 32 hours per week, shifts will vary dependent on operational need. We will be filling 3 positions.
Mission Critical Position Status: These positions have been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency .
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
$28.69 - $36.37 Hourly
Location
Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number
2024NM21826
Department
DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs
Division
Behavioral Health and Recovery
Opening Date
09/18/2024
Closing Date
10/11/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Part Time
Summary
King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.
DCHS manages a wide range of programs and services to assist the county's most vulnerable residents. The department maintains a pro-equity focus aimed at developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all county residents, regardless of race, gender identity or income.
We are seeking Social Services Specialists to join our Behavioral Health Outreach Program (BHOP) team within the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) . BHOP consists of three teams that respond to behavioral health crises that occur in assigned patrol areas within King County. The teams provide assistance and/or intervention to persons who are experiencing crisis, homelessness, and/or behavioral health issues. Interventions include community engagement, outreach, de-escalation, screening by visual inspection and brief conversation to determine the need for services and referrals for service.
There are three teams within this program:
- City Hall Park Neighborhood Outreach: City Hall Park/King County Campus
- Transit Station Outreach: Downtown light rail stations
- Transit Center Outreach: Burien Transit Center
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
- Patrol assigned areas on foot and provide outreach and engage with individuals in the light rail stations or on the trains.
- Assist transit security in responding and engaging with individuals who are experiencing behavioral health crises.
- Provide peer support and intervention services.
- Offer service information and linkage to shelter, housing, behavioral health, medical and employment services.
- Develop trusting relationships with individuals through respectful outreach and client centered engagement practices in order to assess their service needs and respond with appropriate referrals and linkages to resources.
- Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with community partners, shelters, direct service providers, and other service or resource organizations to ensure continuity of care for individuals.
- Perform job responsibilities in a manner that respects and promotes individual dignity at all times even when challenged by others.
- Monitor and intervene using de-escalation techniques which includes the use of least amount of physical force when physical or verbal altercations occur.
- Maintain the safety and security of individuals by using visual and auditory cues that indicate whether or not individuals are stable and safe during outreach services.
- Complete paper written reports with handwriting that is legible, grammatically correct and complete.
- Enter electronic data by typing and saving data via computer to record information as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- The incumbents in these positions will have a personal history of recovery from mental health, substance use or co-occurring disorders.
- Minimum of 2 years as a peer support specialist or equivalent experience.
- Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty, behavioral health conditions, and mental illness from a harm reduction model of care.
- Skills in de-escalating verbal aggression, hostile or violent behavior.
- Enthusiasm for peer support and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, and outside contacts from a wide variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Effective problem-solving skills using conflict resolution techniques which result in positive outcomes, and the ability to apply patience and common sense as needed.
- Effective interpersonal skills in working with and promoting positive teamwork.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team that displays sound decision making in the absence of on-site supervisory oversight.
- Basic knowledge of signs and symptoms of behavioral health conditions.
- Current CPR card or attainable within 90 days.
- Current Basic First Aid card or attainable within 90 days.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to travel around the County in a timely manner.
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information
This position will be filled as a Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position with a projected end date of December 31, 2025.
Who May Apply: These positions are open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.
Required Application Materials:
- An Online employment application, completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.The employment history should go back at least seven years if you have seven years of employment, or more to include all relevant experience. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All relevant experience must be included in the application.
- Responses to Supplemental Questions.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Jalynn, HR Analyst, at jalydavis@kingcounty.gov.
Work Schedule/Conditions: These positions are .80 full-time, scheduled to work 32 hours per week, shifts will vary dependent on operational need. We will be filling 3 positions.
- City Hall Park Neighborhood Outreach:
- 2 positions available
- Hours: 8am to 4pm OR 4 pm to 12 am
- 32 hours/week
- Workdays: Friday to Monday
- Transit Center Outreach:
- 1 position available
- Hours: 8am to 4pm
- 32 hours/week
- Workdays: Friday to Monday
Mission Critical Position Status: These positions have been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency .
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
