Under supervision, performs outreach to individuals experiencing mental health and/or housing insecurity issues and providing linkages to services provided by local organizations; serves as a liaison in the BART system 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; interacts and engages with BART personnel, the public and other stakeholders to establish an official presence and prevent violence and disruptive behavior; deters and diffuses active acts of violence and vandalism through application of conflict-resolution skills; performs related duties as assigned.

This is a journey level civilian classification located with the Police Department. Incumbents of this classification perform a variety of duties requiring independent judgement in the day-to-day interactions with at-risk clients. This classification is responsible for outreach services and community-based crisis intervention services which includes direct client contact in the community. This classification is distinguished from the Transit Ambassador in that the latter is responsible for providing a uniformed presence for the purposes of providing an added sense of security to BART patrons as well as deterring potential criminal activity.

Supervisor of Crisis Intervention and Outreach Programs or designee.

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.

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 experience complex mental health issues preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess 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 after hours incidents and perform field activities

Substitution:

Additional experience as outlined above may substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Environmental Conditions:

Field environment; exposure to inclement weather; gun range; exposure to loud noises.

Physical Conditions:

Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, running, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Standing and riding trains for long periods of time.