Alternative Response Unit III Coordinator

Position Summary: 

The Philadelphia Fire Departments (PFD) division of Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) and the Criminal Justice Division of the Managing Directors Office (MDO), has developed a behavioral health Alternative Response Unit (ARU-3) for community risk reduction in Philadelphia. City services are shifting away from their current all-police response to involuntary commitments (302s). The shift would have members of ARU-3 engaging those who are high utilizers of EMS 911 calls, CRC transports, primary care clinics, and special population 302s.

PFD MIH and DBHIDS will provide alternative responses and management of behavioral health calls and special population 302s. The Division of PFD MIH, DBHIDS, and the MDO are natural partners in an innovative model to improve behavioral healthcare outcomes, decrease trauma in the community, and provide services in a strength-based, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach.

The ARU-3 unit will consist of one MIH Fire Paramedic Captain, one MIH Fire Paramedic Lieutenant, two MIH Fire Service Paramedics, four MIH Fire Service EMTs, one COC Director, one COC Assistant Director, one Clinical Coordinator, four Mobile Behavioral Health Crisis Specialists, and one Epidemiologist/Data.

The ARU-3 Coordinator will work collaboratively with the system partners to ensure the ARU-3 Mobile Behavior Health Crisis Specialists (MBHCS) staff are following all protocols, completing documentation, and client follow-up. It will also be the Coordinator's responsibility to engage with other system supervisors to ensure the unit's success. This Coordinator, along with the other system partners, will also be responsible for continuously evaluating the program's quality and efficacy and making recommended modifications as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Attends weekly staff meetings and serves as a representative on behavioral health-related work-groups; confers with supervisor on challenging cases; prepares reports and correspondence, interfaces with providers and other third parties as needed to guarantee a seamless admissions process into treatment; schedules periodic meetings with treatment providers and other relevant third parties, to provide updates on ARU-3 services and attend regularly scheduled meetings with supervisor. Works with multi-agency partners, willing to report to a unified command structure.

Skills Required: 

· Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and agencies

· Demonstrate qualities of integrity, stability, creativity, and negotiation skills

· Knowledge of community-based resources in Philadelphia

· Familiarity with the DSM V and ASAM criteria

· Knowledge of basic medical and psychiatric terminology

· Knowledge of the process for filing a 302 and the documentation required

· Bilingual is strongly recommended but not required

· Understands the concepts of body-substance isolation and general universal precautions

Knowledge of the crisis system in Philadelphia

· Understanding of Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

· Knowledge of Community-based resources in Philadelphia

Ability To:

· Work collaboratively with members of other city agencies, specifically the PFD and MDO, with a willingness to report to a unified command structure

· Develop specific goals and strategies to accomplish unit objectives

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the community and public organizations

· Implement the principles of the project and team management

· Understand culture competency initiatives, case management, and managed care principles

· Work cooperatively and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and agencies representing varying perspectives within a diverse population

· Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills

· Work with ease on a personal computer

· Develop all necessary policies and protocols as applicable to the ARU-3- including an annual training plan

· Assist in the development of the unit budget

· Participate in interagency planning meetings as necessary

· Ensure that linkages to all appropriate entities and referrals occur within a timely manner and provide problem-solving resolution to overcome barriers

· Create and maintain monthly staffing schedules

· Manage and supervise multiple individuals in a team environment

· Be available on an emergent basis, which may occur after hours or on weekends

· Must be able to work in the fast-paced environment of an emergency (911) response system.

· Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required. Including working in outdoor/indoor environments with varying weather conditions.

· This position requires the ability to work in the office and the field.

· This position will involve riding along with the MIH/PFD Lieutenant or Captain to supervise the staff in the field.

· Must be able to work in an office environment that may include varying levels of distraction, noise, lighting, and privacy.

· Must have a valid driver's license and familiarity with the Philadelphia public transportation system.

Education and Experience:

Master's Degree Required in social work, psychology, or another related field. Must have 3-5 years of experience with a strong emphasis in behavioral health/crisis, 5-7 years preferred. Knowledge in crisis response, substance use, and field experience is a plus. Must have a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.

Being bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. Our policy is to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees and applicants who are currently, or have become disabled, must be able to perform the job functions with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.