Dispatcher

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position is responsible for a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying crisis calls to the Mobile Response Team. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Triage calls to the correct team depending on location and availability.
• Receive crisis calls and provide crisis intervention services.
• Conduct initial screenings and determine if an in-person assessment is required by a Licensed Clinician.
• Analyze situations and take necessary actions to provide crisis intervention. Interpreting and implementing WestCare procedures regarding crisis intervention as appropriate.
• Must condense large amounts of information into clear, intelligible remarks in a timely manner and can recall numerous acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing. Provide direct counseling services to clients.
• Monitor and assess client behavior.
• Follows prescribed protocols to provide emergency instruct to callers during high-risk situations until appropriate units arrive.
• Report to immediate supervisor any unusual incidents that should be brought to the attention of the Program Director, Clinical Director, Regional Vice President, or regulatory agency.
• Participate in decision to refer clients for ancillary services, i.e., family support groups, continuing care groups, etc.
• Complete documentation required for clinical records and other reports as assigned.
• Attend all interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and establish parameters for discharge planning.
• Ensure that all staff following WestCare policies and procedures.
• Make recommendations to immediate supervisor regarding interviewing and hiring of direct care staff.
• Requires regular and consistent attendance to ensure continuity of counseling services to clients.
• Follow all WestCare policies and procedures.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Creole.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from DCF.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience in behavioral health crisis services.
• Familiarity with Miami-Dade County.
• Master's Level Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office/residential setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Some travel is required.