Behavioral Health Case Manager at City of Milwaukie – Milwaukie, Oregon

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community by providing direct support and services to individuals facing challenges? The City of Milwaukie is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Case Manager (BHCM) to join our Police Department's Behavioral Health Unit.

This is a vital, primarily support role for a non-licensed professional who assists community members experiencing mental health crises, substance use challenges, houselessness, or other quality-of-life concerns. You will work closely with the Behavioral Health Specialist and sworn police officers. The position involves managing your own caseload, providing essential direct support, follow-up services, and connection to community resources.

What You'll Do:

In this role, you will be a crucial support to community members facing significant challenges.

Direct Client Support:

• Work with the Behavioral Health Specialist and police officers to assist community members experiencing crisis related to mental health, substance use, houselessness, or other social service needs.

• Provide essential information, referrals, and follow-up to clients and their families.

• Conduct outreach, engagement, and support to individuals in need and connect them with appropriate providers.

• Monitor client progress and ensure case plans are carried out. Conduct home, hospital, or residential visits as appropriate.

• Assess client safety using approved screening tools, develop safety plans, and involve licensed staff when necessary.

Collaboration & Program Support:

• Liaise between clients, service providers, caregivers, and law enforcement to ensure coordinated care.

  
  

• Advocate for client needs while promoting best practices in intervention and treatment.

  
  

• Work collaboratively with local, county, and state agencies, as well as community stakeholders, to strengthen the Behavioral Health Unit.

  
  

• Assist in identifying service gaps, reviewing data, and recommending program improvements.

What You'll Bring:

We are looking for candidates who embody the City's values of accountability, collaboration, and equity.

Experience: At least three (3) years of relevant experience in crisis response, case management, or social services is required.

Demonstrated experience in crisis response, assessment, triage, and intervention with individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, active delusions/hallucinations, and/or suicidal ideation is a must.

Education: A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral sciences field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, relevant work, and lived experience will also be considered.

• Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) designation is preferred.

Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel at an advanced proficiency level is necessary, as is the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with diverse populations. You must be able to view and address the full spectrum of social needs affecting clients.
Working Conditions & Salary

• Working Environment: This position requires both office and field work, and involves extensive contact with individuals in crisis, experiencing substance use effects, and/or experiencing houselessness. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Salary: The proposed salary range for this MPEA union-represented, Non-Exempt position is $ 67,248.96 - $ 85,844.88 annually.

• Supervision: You will work under the general supervision of the Police Captain and may receive direction from the Behavioral Health Specialist.

How to Apply

• Please include all applicable Experience and Education, including certifications, in your application. We use your application details to determine your step placement on our salary schedule.
• A cover letter and resume are required for this application.
  
  

About the City of Milwaukie

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Milwaukie, we understand that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at 503-786-7507.

Veterans' Preference: The City of Milwaukie provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application, providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.