Behavioral Health Specialist

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Specialist plays a critical role in promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of shelter guests within a congregate setting. This position provides trauma-informed behavioral health support, conducts psychosocial assessments, collaborates on individualized support and housing plans, and responds to behavioral health crises in partnership with the shelter’s Safety team.

Core Responsibilities

1. Behavioral Health Assessment & Planning

• Conduct regular psychosocial and behavioral health assessments of shelter guests.
• Identify and document behavioral health needs, substance use concerns, and social determinants of health impacting stability.
• Collaborate with guests and case managers to co-create individualized wellness and behavioral health care plans that align with housing goals and personal recovery trajectories.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and strengths-based approaches to engage individuals at varying stages of readiness for change.

2. Crisis Response & De-escalation

• Respond promptly to behavioral health crises in the shelter in coordination with the Safety Team.
• Apply de-escalation techniques, conduct risk assessments, and ensure the physical and emotional safety of all parties during incidents.
• Assist in drafting incident reports and post-crisis evaluations to improve shelter response practices.
• Provide mental health first aid and suicide risk assessments, and determine when higher-level interventions or emergency services are necessary.

3. Collaboration & Case Coordination

• Work closely with internal case managers, peer support specialists, and safety personnel to ensure a holistic approach to each guest’s well-being.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferencing and shelter staff meetings to inform service planning and identify support gaps.
• Facilitate referrals to outside mental health providers, substance use treatment programs, and other community-based services as needed.

4. Trauma-Informed Support & Shelter Culture

• Model and reinforce trauma-informed, harm reduction, and person-centered practices throughout the shelter.
• Provide informal coaching and training for shelter staff on mental health and behavioral support best practices.
• Support guests in building coping skills and accessing support groups or therapeutic resources, including facilitating onsite groups when appropriate.

5. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of assessments, interventions, and crisis responses in accordance with organizational and legal standards.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, behavioral health regulations, and relevant grant or funding requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Licensure (e.g., LCSW, LPC, QMHP) or eligibility preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, severe mental illness, and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Strong crisis management and trauma-informed care skills.
• Experience working in congregate or emergency shelter settings preferred.