Community Support Specialist/Police Liaison - Crisis Services - Brattleboro

3 weeks (pro-rated) paid vacation to start & excellent health/dental/vision coverage!

9 paid holidays and 1 week of personal time

Seeking a Police Liaison to be embedded with Brattleboro PD to respond to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other social service related calls with law enforcement in order to provide immediate support and resource connection. The Police Liaison (PL) adheres to HCRS policy and complies with federal, state, and local regulations and supports program philosophy as well.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties: The PL will provide an array of supports to individuals including, but not limited to, assisting individuals with various challenges (financial, medical, legal, transportation, food, employment, etc.) and helping them to connect with community resources and care providers. They will provide assistance to law enforcement, in the form of individual and family support, to ensure that people are connected to the proper system of care. Police Liaisons provide emergency support to community members who are in crisis or have experienced a trauma in which law enforcement officers are involved.

Scope of Position: A Police Liaison’s workload will vary according to HCRS’s programs’ needs, police department’s needs and supervisor’s discretion.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities to successfully perform this job: Police Liaisons bring to their job a strong belief in individuals’ self-determination and a respect for all people. They possess positive attitudes and an ability to work well with individuals receiving services, other providers, law enforcement and staff members. Demonstrating a can-do approach to difficult problems, Police Liaisons model appropriate behaviors in a strengths-based approach to individuals receiving services. Police Liaisons pursue professional growth and development in order to improve knowledge and to better support individuals' mental health, developmental disabilities, civil liberties, and legal issues. Police Liaisons have the ability to stay calm in stressful situations and can maintain a sense of humor.

Relationships: Police Liaisons are expected to work with other HCRS staff, various community agencies and systems in order to assist individuals with their connection to community resources.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate’s degree plus one to two years related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An understanding of family systems, mental health, developmental disabilities, behavior management, substance abuse, procedures for maintaining confidentiality, and other areas is preferred. Police Liaisons will possess strong written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to listen effectively. Police Liaisons will demonstrate respect and a caring attitude towards all. A valid driver’s license and reliable car is required for this position.

Preferred: In addition to the above minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree from a four year college or university with professional experience in human services, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and knowledge of law enforcement culture.

Working Conditions and Additional Information: Police Liaisons will work in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, police departments, business offices, individuals’ homes, homeless shelters, community agencies, and hospitals. Police Liaisons work side by side with law enforcement officers, often in their cruisers. Environments often cannot be controlled and unpleasant odors and other disagreeable factors may be encountered. Traveling to and from these various work sites is an expected part of the job. Police Liaisons may be required to transport individuals receiving services. NOTE: The above job description is not meant to be all-encompassing, nor should it be considered a detailed account of every aspect of the job. Programmatic changes and individuals’ needs may lead to additional duties and tasks. Other duties may be required and will be assigned as needed by supervisor. All HCRS employees are committed to doing quality work and strive for excellence.

Specifics of this position: Brattleboro Police Department is seeking someone for second shift and another PL for a combination of first, second, and weekend shifts.