Crisis Intervention Specialist (BPOA)

Job Description:

Crisis Intervention Specialist (BPOA)

Description

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

Pay Rate
This is a BART Police Officers' Association (BPOA) represented position.
Step 1: $42.67/hourly to Step 5: $51.21/hourly (BPOA Hourly)
Note: All external candidates will start at Step 1.

Who May Apply
All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Days Off
As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.

Reports To
Deputy Police Chief or Supervisor of Crisis Intervention & Outreach Programs

Department
The Bureau of Progressive Policing and Community Engagement’s mission is to engage the BART Police Department in leading transparent, equitable, and innovative policing practices to improve public safety across the diverse communities in which we serve. We are committed to rebuilding trust and nurturing relationships between our communities and law enforcement through a culture of accountability, responsibility, and collaboration.

Current Assignment
** This announcement will be used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.

The Crisis Intervention Specialist will be responsible for performing outreach to individuals experiencing crisis, homelessness, mental health and substance use. The CIS will engage and establish relationships with the homeless community to provide supportive services in collaboration with behavioral health and social services organizations; advocates and collaborates with service providers to facilitate access to care with the goal of stabilization. The CIS will serve as a liaison in the BART system between the Police Department, other departments in the District and community. The CIS will ensure that potentially underserved mental health and unsheltered patrons entering the BART system, are appropriately served with compassion and dignity. This position will require highly motivated individuals that have strong communication skills and the ability to interact with diverse communities.

Selection Process
This position is represented by BART Police Officers Association Employees (BPOA). Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.

The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and/or an individual or panel interview. Candidates must pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.

Phase 1: Minimum Qualifications: A review of each applicant’s employment application and supplemental questionnaire to verify possession of the minimum qualifications.
Phase 2: Oral Boards: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who have submitted the supplemental questionnaire may be invited to participate in an oral panel interview.
Phase 3: Background Investigation (Inclusive of medical, psychological, and polygraph exams if applicable)

** PLEASE NOTE that the entire selection process may take 6 months up to (1) year. **

The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations). If you are selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents.

The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide: naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Candidates who are unsuccessful in the selection process can reapply for future job openings at a later date.

Examples of Duties

1. Performs outreach services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or housing insecurity issues by providing linkages to services provided by local organizations.

2. Makes mental health assessments and provides crisis counseling to the homeless community and individuals experiencing mental health related issues within the BART system.

3. Provides short-term case management services as appropriate and makes direct referrals to other community services.

4. Serves as a liaison between the Police Department, other departments in the District, and public and private community-based organizations that provide mental health, crisis intervention, and homeless and supportive housing services.

5. Engage and establish relationships with the homeless community to provide supportive services in collaboration with behavioral health and social services organizations; advocates and collaborates with service providers to facilitate access to care with the goal of stabilization.

6. Works with management to perform outreach within the community and participate in community-violence reduction efforts including informational presentations.

7. Responds to requests and inquiries from District personnel, city and county agencies, merchants, community groups, and citizens to assist individuals found at-risk in places not meant for habitation.

8. Assists in medical emergencies on BART property by gathering information, providing logistical support, and/or providing first-aid as appropriate; summons medical response as necessary.

9. Participates in and successfully completes all required training, such as conflict resolution, security awareness, etc.

10. Provides various routine assistance to BART personnel; may operate various office equipment; gathers, maintains and retrieves records as directed; fills out forms and writes basic reports; enters data into appropriate computer database or application.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
Two (2) years of (full-time equivalent) professional verifiable experience in social work or related experience. Experience in homeless advocate programs, behavioral health support programs, or interacting and engaging with the homeless community and/or individuals experiencing complex mental health issues preferred.

Other Requirements:
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime
• Must respond to afterhours incidents and perform field activities
Substitution:
Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:
Exposure to heat, cold, moving vehicles, and inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions:
Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of :

• Principles and techniques of working with ethnically and culturally diverse individuals with psychiatric challenges and those who may be homeless and have co-occurring or complex issues
• Welfare & Institutions Code 5150 and 5585
• Principles and practices of effective conflict resolution
• Methods and techniques of crisis intervention
• Methods and techniques of effective communication
• Current office procedures and practices, including the use of online computer equipment
• Applicable BART rules and safety regulations

Skill/Ability in :

• Developing and maintaining effective working effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work including a diverse population including impoverished and alienated persons
• Operating District vehicles including cell phone and police radio equipment
• Reading, interpreting and following a variety of instructions
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
• Remaining professional and courteous when dealing with disorderly patrons
• Maintaining basic and accurate records
• Exercising sound judgment within established guidelines
• Detecting unusual, hazardous or emergency situations and taking appropriate actions according to specified regulations
• Speak effectively in public and provide clear, concise and understandable verbal direction and information
• Plan, organize and support others
• Dealing with difficult people in a customer service setting
• Remaining calm in emergency and/or uncomfortable situations

Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

• Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
• Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • 2% @ 55 (Miscellaneous Members - Classic)
  • 2% @ 62 (Miscellaneous Members - PEPRA)
  • 3% @ 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
  • 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
  • Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)

Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)

• 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65

Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year) Vacation Accruals (3-5 weeks based on time worked w/ the District) Holidays:

• Sworn Officers & Police Dispatchers: No floating holidays or observed holidays, but 6.6% pay differential provided above base pay rate
• Non-Sworn Staff: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays

Life Insurance may be available through employee union Survivor Benefits through BART Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance may be available through employee union Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care Commuter Benefits Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$88,769.41 - $106,518.46 Annually