Behavioral Health Specialist

Behavioral Health Specialist

Salary

$102,044.80 - $138,070.40 Annually

Location

Brooklyn Park Police Department - North Station, 5400 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Type

Grant-Funded Full-Time Benefited (40 Hours)

Job Number

2026-00106-DZ

Department

Police

Division

Police/Investigations/Criminal Investigations

Opening Date

08/12/2026

Closing Date

8/26/2026 11:59 PM Central

Posting Type

Open to the public

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The Community Health Unit at the Brooklyn Park Police Department utilizes a licensed mental health professional to provide early identification and intervention. The Behavioral Health Specialist will serve individuals with complex mental health, medical, and substance use needs. Eligible individuals include those in congregate living facilities or independent community settings. The Behavioral Health Specialist will intervene when these individuals have contact with emergency response systems like law enforcement, fire, or EMS.

The Behavioral Health Specialist will provide community outreach, resources, consultation, and care coordination to those referred. The Behavioral Health Specialist conducts on scene diagnostic assessments, develops and implements crisis stabilization and treatment plans. They will work closely with the department's Community Health Unit Detective to provide interagency coordination to support continuity of care of community members.

This position is funded through a grant and is currently authorized for a two-year term. Continued employment beyond the grant period is contingent upon future funding and organizational needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide community outreach, resources, and care coordination to individuals with mental health or substance use needs residing in congregate care facilities, those referred to the Community Health Unit, or those identified in police reports, including post-contact risk assessments.
• Develop and implement crisis stabilization plans, therapeutic de-escalation strategies, clinical treatment plans, safety plans, and harm-reduction strategies.
• Maintain frequent and ongoing contact with staff and management of group homes in the city to assist in mitigating issues with clients, staff, or management.
• Conduct on scene diagnostic assessments, mental status exams, suicide, homicide, and violence risk assessments, lethality assessments, and chemical health evaluations.
• Lead consultations with Community Health Unit staff and, if deemed necessary, outside service providers for case planning, specialized programs and agency procedures.
• Work collaboratively with sworn and non-sworn personnel to direct effective responses to behavioral health crises including creation of mental health bulletins.
• Review and analyze program impacts.
• Create and implement training for police staff related to mental health, chemical dependency, and related conditions/disorders.
• Maintain proper and timely documentation of case records, case findings, reports, correspondence, and databases.
• Performs other duties or special projects assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Education

Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Three (3) years of post-graduate clinical experience, including crisis assessment, diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Licensed by the Minnesota Board of Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health & Therapy, or similarly related licensing board.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral health principles, including serious and persistent mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, crisis stabilization, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Knowledge of diagnostic assessment processes, behavioral health screening tools, risk assessment methodologies, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, harm reduction strategies, treatment modalities, and available community-based recovery resources.
• Knowledge of medical, social, environmental, and systemic factors that impact individuals experiencing complex behavioral health challenges.
• Knowledge of community support systems, housing resources, healthcare networks, social service programs, and emergency response systems.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, confidentiality requirements, data privacy laws, and professional ethical standards.
• Knowledge of law enforcement, fire service, EMS, corrections, and public safety operations as they relate to behavioral health response and diversion efforts.
• Skilled in conducting comprehensive behavioral health, substance use, psychosocial, and risk assessments in community and crisis settings.
• Skilled in crisis de-escalation, suicide prevention, safety planning, and crisis stabilization interventions.
• Skilled in developing, implementing, monitoring, and modifying individualized treatment, stabilization, and support plans.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and exercising sound professional judgment in complex and evolving situations.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective while responding to highly emotional, volatile, or potentially dangerous situations.
• Ability to make independent decisions and prioritize competing demands while working in dynamic community environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals served law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, healthcare providers, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to identify service gaps, develop creative solutions, and mobilize community resources to support individuals with complex needs.
• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience interacting with persons diverse populations, including individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and developmental disabilities.
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s).
• Experience or ability to work closely with law enforcement agencies/entities.
• Professional experience conducting crisis assessments related to mental and chemical health.
• Recent professional experience completing diagnostic assessments, psychological evaluations.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.

• Core business hours are set by departments based on operational needs. Alternative schedules can be arranged but must comply with the City's Alternative Work Arrangement policy.
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., normal office hours with occasional evenings. Some travel occasionally to other locations.
• May be required to participate in on-call rotations, after-hours response, or emergency response activities as assigned.
• Ability to move throughout community settings and access client residences, treatment facilities, and emergency response scenes.
• Ability to lift and carry materials, files, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May respond to emergency situations in homes, congregate care facilities, hospitals, shelters, correctional facilities, public locations, and other community settings.
• Regular exposure to individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use disorders, behavioral challenges, emotional distress, cognitive impairments, and unstable living situations.
• May encounter unpredictable, volatile, hostile, or potentially dangerous situations requiring crisis de-escalation, situational awareness, and sound professional judgment.
• Works in close collaboration with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other community partners.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases, hazardous environmental conditions, secondhand smoke, illicit substances, bodily fluids, and unsanitary living conditions.
• Required to maintain flexibility in responding to emergent situations, changing priorities, and time-sensitive interventions.
• Frequent operation of a motor vehicle is required to conduct field visits, transport activities, attend meetings, and respond to crisis situations.
• Requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, driving, sitting, bending, reaching, and navigating uneven terrain, stairs, and confined spaces during field work.
• Requires the ability to safely enter and work in a variety of residential, institutional, and community environments.
• Work involves exposure to sensitive, traumatic, and emotionally challenging situations, requiring resilience, professionalism, and adherence to confidentiality requirements.
• Must be able to communicate effectively during emergency situations and maintain composure while making critical decisions under pressure.
• Visual acuity is sufficient to observe behaviors, assess safety risks, and prepare written documentation.
• Hearing and verbal communication abilities sufficient to effectively interact with clients, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and community partners in both routine and crisis situations.
• Office environment and fieldwork; exposure to computer screens; working closely with others, frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 5-10 pounds occasionally.
• High attention to detail and deadlines.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check are necessary for this job title. Applicants are required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 80,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Approximately 64 percent of our residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values and Goals

Additional Information

Resume and Cover Letter

To help us evaluate candidates education, experience and skills, we are asking all candidates to attach a resume and cover letter to their application to be considered for this position.

Department/Division

Police/Investigations

Anticipated Hiring Annual Salary Range

$102,044.80 - $138,070.40 depending on qualifications.

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ+ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at HumanResources@brooklynpark.org.

Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (40 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:

Vacation

• New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
• Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year

Sick Leave

• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation

Holidays

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 1 floating holiday to be used any day in the year with supervisor approval

Health Insurance:

• Employees may choose a health plan with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
• The City contributes a portion to the cost of health insurance
• Available to City of Brooklyn Park employees working 30 or more hours per week

Dental Insurance

• Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan

Life Insurance

• The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional and dependent term life insurance at group rates

Disability Insurance

• Short-term disability insurance available at group rates
• Long-term disability insurance available at group rates

Retirement

• Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions)
• Optional 457 pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services

Fitness

• Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered

Direct Deposit (mandatory)

• Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday

Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:

• Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
• Decreasing Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Deferred Compensation, if enrolled.

Seasonal/Temporary employees

• Temporary, Seasonal, and non-benefited part-time employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked by an employee, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.

Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.

01

This position is primarily performed onsite, located at the Brooklyn Park Police Department (5400 85th Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443) and requires travel throughout Brooklyn Park and, at times other areas of Hennepin County. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., normal office hours, with occasional evenings based upon department needs. A valid drivers license and reliable transportation are required to travel within the metro area to meet with individuals in their homes and to perform authorized off-site work duties. Are you willing and able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your level of education.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

03

Are you licensed by the MN Board of Social Worker, Psychology, Behavioral Health & Therapy or a similarly licensed board?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of full-time post graduate clinical experience do you have (including crisis assessment, diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning)?

• I do not have this experience.
• Less than 3 years.
• 3 years or more.

05

How many years of experience do you have serving individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, or housing instability?

• I do not have this experience.
• Less than 3 years.
• 3 years or more.

06

How many years of experience do you have working collaboratively with law enforcement or public safety agencies?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 3 years.
• 3 years or more.

07

Please describe your experience working with law enforcement or public safety agencies. Include your role, nature of your collaboration, and the populations you served.

08

Describe your experience connecting individuals with community resources, such as mental health services, housing substance use treatment, transportation or other supportive services.

09

Describe your experience working with congregate care facilities (including group homes) and providing services to individuals in these facilities.

10

Are you fluent in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali or Vietnamese languages?

• Spanish
• Hmong
• Russian
• Somali
• Vietnamese
• None of the above

11

What is your connection with the City of Brooklyn Park?

• None apply
• Current Brooklyn Park Resident
• Active Member of Community Group in Brooklyn Park
• Currently enrolled in school in Brooklyn Park
• BrookLynk Alumni
• Other

12

Which veterans preference points, if any, are you claiming?

• Not claiming veterans preference
• Veterans preference
• Disabled veterans preference
• Spouse of a deceased veteran
• Spouse of a disabled veteran

Required Question

Employer City of Brooklyn Park

Address 5200 85th Avenue N

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443

Phone 763-493-8016

Website http://www.brooklynpark.org