Mental Health Professional (Ord. Title: Community Crisis Responder II)

About the Department

The Seattle Police Department is comprised of approximately 1,600 dedicated law enforcement professionals committed to creating a collaborative, innovative work environment that leads the way in law enforcement principles and practices. The culture encourages top performers to adhere to a standard of excellence in identifying and resolving complex challenges. SPD acknowledges and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and pledges to create and maintain an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.

Job Responsibilities

• Co‑respond with sworn officer‑partner to active 9‑1‑1 calls as members of the SPD Crisis Response Team.
• Work directly with individuals experiencing acute and/or chronic behavioral health crises, building rapport, de‑escalating, evaluating, assessing for risk, and determining the best course of action while balancing individual autonomy and community safety.
• Support and promote alternatives to jail and hospitalization when appropriate to stabilize and improve outcomes for community members experiencing behavioral health crises.
• Collaborate with community partners including Designated Crisis Responders, FBI, Mental Health Court, Seattle Fire Department, Department of Corrections, community mental health agencies, shelters, housing programs, other law‑enforcement agencies, schools, and hospitals to ensure continuity of care.
• Work with other Community Crisis Responders, Mental Health Providers, Clinical Supervisors, and Department Leadership to determine client eligibility for programs and to authorize/recommend appropriate services.
• Support families impacted by behavioral health challenges, offering guidance, support, and connection to services.
• Develop and implement individual response plans, coordinate services, and conduct follow‑up outreach and safety planning for individuals with complex needs and/or high utilization of emergency services.
• Develop and confidentially maintain case files, complete documentation in a timely manner, and manage multiple cases at once.
• Complete the Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management processes on individuals presenting with behavioral health conditions and risk factors for violent behavior.
• Prepare written status reports or case management notes, document interviews, observations, and recommendations in a database in compliance with HIPAA and department policy and ethical standards.
• Assist with the investigation and service of Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
• Fulfill auxiliary roles as assigned, such as supporting other SPD units or community entities in special projects with a crisis nexus.
• Lead, coordinate, and provide support in key administrative functional areas of the Mental Health Provider Program.
• Support the learning and training of practicum students.

Qualifications

• Required: A master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field and two years of experience working with individuals with mental, behavioral, and/or emotional health concerns (or an equivalent combination of education/training/experience).
• Desired: Ability to work collaboratively in teams with other co‑responders and directly partner with law enforcement within a police‑culture environment; effective communication skills (written, active listening, non‑verbal); effective skills in case investigation and management, evaluation of facts/circumstances, and clients and crisis management; high cultural and emotional intelligence; strong commitment to dignity and respect for all people; thrive in dynamic situations with strong situational awareness; self‑motivated in managing workload; Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management knowledge or interest; additional language proficiency; contribute to the advancement and innovation of the co‑response model; flexibility and willingness to change as the unit evolves.

Position Requirements

• Licensing from the Washington State Department of Health such as Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker or equivalency.
• Must pass a Seattle Police Department background investigation.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Required to work rotating shifts.
• Required to be exposed to adverse weather conditions.
• Exposed to toxic / hazardous / biohazard substances.
• Required to operate automotive vehicles.
• Required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work involves sensitive contact with people who are in crisis and/or may be utilizing substances.

Benefits

• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Full benefits package.
• Eligible for overtime as a Civil Service position.
• Full‑time (1.0 FTE) regular position.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $53.14 – $61.96 per hour. New employees begin at