Boston Police Co-Response Program Director

About the role

Under the supervision of the Director of Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Programs (CJDP Director), the Program Director (PD) will oversee and support the clinical and administrative activities of the Boston Police Co-Response team. In their role, the PD will oversee master’s level clinicians, including providing individual and group supervision and will be available to provide real-time consultation during program hours in addition to providing on-call coverage as assigned. The PD will also supervise the program's Recovery Coach, and may also oversee interns, volunteers and other non-clinical program staff. Additionally, the PD monitors that assigned staff are following approved protocols and procedures, including ensuring that they are providing individuals with proper screening, guidance, referrals to community resources, etc. and documenting all activities as required. The Program Director, in collaboration with the CJDP Director, will also oversee the hiring and training of new staff, and will assist the Boston Police Department (BPD) and external agencies with trainings related to behavioral health and the co-response team. The PD will work collaboratively with BPD and be available to assist leadership, officers and other external agencies with consultation for individuals exhibiting signs of mental distress, which may include attending stakeholder meetings and other community-led coalitions. As needed, the PD will be expected to provide assessments on-site, in the community, or at the police station and deliver rapid access to community mental health, substance abuse and psychiatry services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support clinical and administrative aspects of the co‑response program
• Provide individual clinical supervision to all direct care staff
• Facilitate monthly group supervision
• Provide real‑time case consultation to program staff during program hours and assigned on‑call hours
• Manage staff scheduling, time‑off requests, and holiday coverage
• Provide or arrange for coverage as needed
• Complete annual performance evaluations
• Onboard new staff, working collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure appropriate orientation
• Assist BPD partners in the development and facilitation of applicable trainings, including participating in BPD‑led crisis intervention trainings as needed
• In conjunction with the CJDP Director, facilitate monthly BMC/BPD leadership meetings
• Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Boston Police staff and leadership, Boston EMS staff and leadership, other criminal justice and jail diversion programs and their staff and leadership (e.g., NAMI Criminal Justice Project), and Boston Municipal Court Department representatives
• Conduct outreach to community and neighborhood agencies and residents (e.g., DMH, DDS, DCF group residences, elder and disabled housing, city housing authorities, sober houses, detoxes, neighborhood associations, business organizations)
• Attend stakeholder meetings and/or delegate to team members as appropriate
• Collaborate with BPD and other external agencies to ensure appropriate follow‑ups and delegation of tasks, including providing real‑time consultation
• Together with the Clinical Director and BPD partners, continuously assess for changing program needs, areas for program development, and long‑term program growth
• In conjunction with the CJDP Director and BPD partners, assess for and develop needed program policies
• Comply with departmental, regulatory, and professional requirements for documentation and data collection
• Perform other duties as needed
• Adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards

Education

Requires a Master’s Degree in social work, mental health counseling, or a related field.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required

Requires a current Massachusetts License as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) by start date.

Experience

Minimum of five years full‑time supervisory experience. Must have experience providing behavioral health services in the context of a crisis setting. Experience providing behavioral health care in a community setting preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional organization skills and ability to prioritize multiple competing responsibilities
• Ability to provide leadership and coordinate the work of a team of assigned clinical staff
• Ability to mentor, guide, and motivate direct reports through demonstration of best practices and leading by example
• Ability to analyze needs and apply resources effectively to meet those needs
• Ability to achieve targeted results through motivating, mobilizing, and delegating to others
• Demonstrated ability and experience in training, team building, program development/management, problem solving, and community building
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with various healthcare professionals, develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families, and supervise and manage team
• Demonstrated broad theoretical knowledge and excellent clinical skills that include models of case management and psychosocial service
• Ability to work in multi‑disciplinary teams
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to be detail‑oriented in all notes and documentation
• Bilingual or multi‑lingual skills (beyond English) is a plus
• Proficient with basic computer programs, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), web browsers, and electronic medical records systems
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment
• On‑call expectation during program hours

Benefits

Generous total compensation includes benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well‑being.

Pay

Compensation Range: $83,000.00 – $120,500.00

Schedule

Full Time