Utility System Operator 2

About the role

Provide prompt response to persons in crisis with the goal of stabilizing the crisis in the least restrictive way, facilitating access to mental health services, and/or performing clinical and legal investigation and evaluation for involuntary detention to psychiatric facilities. The Crisis and Commitment section’s purpose is to provide quality care, and to protect the public safety while maintaining individual rights.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis outreach services throughout King County working with a team partner.
• Performs “Civil Commitment” evaluations in team or independently.
• Investigate allegations, gather evidence, conduct clinical evaluations, and decide, in accordance with RCW 71.05, 71.34, and 10.77 if psychiatric hospitalization is needed, or if a less restrictive option is appropriate.
• Prepare witness statements, serve subpoenas and legal papers, and testify at court hearings.
• Complete required legal forms and written documentation of investigation activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Nursing, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field required.
• Licensed or Registered and working towards a Licensure as a Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor or Registered Nurse required.
• At least five years of experience in the direct evaluation and treatment of persons with mental illness under the supervision of a mental health professional.
• Must be able to work varied shifts, in a high stress environment.
• Ability to quickly interview, assess, and mediate while maintaining calmness during highly volatile situations.
• Must be physically able to enter and rapidly exit residences throughout King County.
• Skill in eliciting patient cooperation and in defusing hostile/violent behavior.
• Ability to stop and listen even in an intense situation.
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized.
• Ability to be flexible and quickly change direction when needed.
• Must show the ability to approach a case using analytical skills.
• Client-centered while treating people with respect, dignity, and compassion.
• Ability to testify coherently in Involuntary Treatment court as an expert witness.
• Team player with the ability to work independently.
• Uses good judgment and is able to make solid decisions in the midst of ambiguity.
• Committed to providing quality care for individuals with mentally illness.
• Excellent effective verbal and written communication skills including the ability to make presentations to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency using MS Word, Email, and the Internet with the desire and ability to learn how to search using customized in-house databases.
• Must compose clear and concise file notes and documentation.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in the direct evaluation and treatment of persons with mental illness under the supervision of a mental health professional.
• Master’s degree in Social Work, Nursing, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field required.
• Licensed or Registered and working towards a Licensure as a Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor or Registered Nurse required.
• Experience with RCW’s 71.05 and 71.34 and related WACS.
• Knowledge of mental health systems.
• Knowledge of the social service network.
• Knowledge of resources offering alternatives to involuntary hospitalization.
• Ability to work within legal parameters involving Involuntary Commitments.
• Ability to assess mental disorders.
• Ability to communicate.
• Experience working with mentally ill individuals and their families.

Skills

• Ability to quickly interview, assess, and mediate while maintaining calmness during highly volatile situations.
• Ability to work varied shifts, in a high stress environment.
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized.
• Ability to be flexible and quickly change direction when needed.
• Ability to approach a case using analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to testify coherently in Involuntary Treatment court as an expert witness.
• Ability to establish rapport with mentally ill individuals.
• Ability to evaluate mentally ill individuals in their homes or other non-office settings.
• Ability to calm agitated, angry, or distraught individuals.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity to age, race, sexual orientation, disability of individuals.
• Ability to support, educate, and gain cooperation of families and significant others.

Benefits

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support their 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 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays).
• Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave.
• Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs.
• Onsite gyms and activity centers.
• Employee giving program.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position.
• Training and career development programs.

Pay

Details of pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details of schedule are not specified in the job posting.