Co-Responder Clinician

Under the direction of the Thriving Communities Director, the Mental Health Co-Responder Clinician responds to mental health emergency calls for service with Public Safety personnel; utilizes skill on scene to de-escalate, assess, and intervene in the moment of crisis, and assists in the preparation of legal documents for transition to appropriate levels of care, including 27-65 (M-1) mental health holds. Mental Health Co-Responder Clinicians manage follow-up with community members to connect them with resources and behavioral health treatment after a crisis has concluded and provide case management intending to reduce or eliminate additional police contact. Co-responder reports directly to Thriving Communities Director and also follows the appropriate chain of command in the PD for day-to-day operations. 

Responds to Behavioral Health related calls for service with public safety personnel and provides on-scene behavioral health assessments/problem identification, crisis interventions, crisis treatment/care plans and makes referrals, which are consistent with the identified needs in the plan of care and/or by the client.

Follows direction from the partnering police officer regarding on-scene safety and security measures and protocols.

Conducts mental status, suicide, risk and needs assessments to identify problems and appropriate interventions, referrals, and linkage to resources.

Prepares legal documents for transition to appropriate level of care including 27-65(M-1) mental health holds, if necessary.

Collaborates with partnering police officers to make appropriate level of care decisions on scene. Communicates, collaborates, and creates relationships with multiple collateral agencies, including schools, hospitals, non-profits, family members, etc., and facilitates referrals for needed community-based services and treatment.

Conducts follow-ups and interventions with community members via phone calls, messages, and on-site (accompanied by a police officer, as needed), working to connect them to behavioral health care and other support resources in the community.

Provides case management services including linking to services, monitoring, follow-up, and crisis management for client.

Manages and maintains accurate and timely data collection and documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.

Provides ongoing training and educational opportunities for officers to increase awareness of de-escalation, mental health, and intervention.

Assists with the continuous evaluation and development of the Mental Health Co-Responder program including processes, procedures, and efficacy.

May participate in public presentations and engage with community partners and organizations regarding the value and need of Mental Health Co-Responders when necessary.

A Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or closely related degree from an accredited program. Preferred candidates will be licensed with two (2) years of experience, post-licensure in crisis counseling, verbal de-escalation, working with diverse and at-risk populations, community networking, and resource delivery. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
State of Colorado licensed as LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor), or LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
Possession of or ability to obtain CPR certification.
Must have a valid Colorado driver's license and good driving record.
Must be able to obtain a security clearance for work with Criminal Justice Records.

Must be able to pass a job suitability assessment, background check, and polygraph. Candidates offered a position will be required to pass a post-offer psychological evaluation.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as police methods and procedures. Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct written reports; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to speak effectively before groups of citizens or employees of organization.
 
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
 
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to interpret police operating procedure with particular reference to the emergency response to calls for service involving individuals in crisis. Ability to demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
 
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
State of Colorado licensed as LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor), or LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
Possession of or ability to obtain CPR certification.
Must have a valid Colorado driver's license and good driving record.
Must be able to obtain a security clearance for work with Criminal Justice Records.
Must be able to pass a background check, psychological examination, and polygraph.
 
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented professional who can effectively respond to, manage, and coordinate professional mental health services and system support services. The role of the clinician will be to ensure continuity of care including, an immediate and professional assessment, collaboration with proper agencies, referral to appropriate type and level of service and advocacy for treatment deemed necessary. The candidate should have excellent customer service demeanor in a high volume environment, have strong written and verbal communications experience and be professional in directing and interacting with the public during times of emotional and stressful situations.
 
MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED
General office equipment including computers, fax, telephone, and copier.  
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a desk and use hands and fingers to type; must be able to reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. May frequently be required to run; stand; walk; stoop or kneel; must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.  
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.  The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; extreme cold or icy conditions; extreme heat; and explosives.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Salary : $32 - $44