Community Support Specialist/Police Liaison - Emergency Services Division - Royalton

Position Purpose:

The Police Liaison works embedded in area municipal police departments responding to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence or other social service related calls with law enforcement, to provide immediate support and resource connection. The Police Liaison adheres to HCRS policy and complies with federal, state, and local regulations and supports program philosophy.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

Police Liaisons 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 agencies and care providers. Police Liaisons work embedded in local police departments responding to emergency and non-emergency calls. They 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 which law enforcement are involved.

Scope of Position:

A Police Liaison’s work load 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 individual’s 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 report to the Senior Leadership team and the ES Director. Additionally, 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.

Qualification Statements

Minimum:

Associate’s degree plus one to two years related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of family systems, mental illness or developmental disabilities, behavior management, substance abuse, procedures for maintaining confidentiality, and other areas. 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, including 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.