Are you passionate about making a difference in your community by providing direct support and services to individuals facing challenges? The City of Milwaukie is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Case Manager (BHCM) to join our Police Department's Behavioral Health Unit.
This is a vital, primarily support role for a non-licensed professional who assists community members experiencing mental health crises, substance use challenges, houselessness, or other quality-of-life concerns. You will work closely with the Behavioral Health Specialist and sworn police officers. The position involves managing your own caseload, providing essential direct support, follow-up services, and connection to community resources.
What You'll Do:
In this role, you will be a crucial support to community members facing significant challenges.
Direct Client Support:Work with the Behavioral Health Specialist and police officers to assist community members experiencing crisis related to mental health, substance use, houselessness, or other social service needs.
Provide essential information, referrals, and follow-up to clients and their families.
Conduct outreach, engagement, and support to individuals in need and connect them with appropriate providers.
Monitor client progress and ensure case plans are carried out. Conduct home, hospital, or residential visits as appropriate.
Assess client safety using approved screening tools, develop safety plans, and involve licensed staff when necessary.
Collaboration & Program Support:
Liaise between clients, service providers, caregivers, and law enforcement to ensure coordinated care.
Advocate for client needs while promoting best practices in intervention and treatment.
Work collaboratively with local, county, and state agencies, as well as community stakeholders, to strengthen the Behavioral Health Unit.
Assist in identifying service gaps, reviewing data, and recommending program improvements.
What You'll Bring:
We are looking for candidates who embody the City's values of accountability, collaboration, and equity.
Experience: At least three (3) years of relevant experience in crisis response, case management, or social services is required.
Demonstrated experience in crisis response, assessment, triage, and intervention with individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, active delusions/hallucinations, and/or suicidal ideation is a must.
Education: A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral sciences field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, relevant work, and lived experience will also be considered.
Working Conditions & Salary
Working Environment: This position requires both office and field work, and involves extensive contact with individuals in crisis, experiencing substance use effects, and/or experiencing houselessness. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.