Co-Responder

About the role

The Co-Responders are part of a Co-Response Unit within the Westminster Police Department. Their primary function is to support law enforcement during behavioral health calls for service, de-escalating crisis situations and providing stabilization within the community.

Responsibilities

• Respond to/engage in in-progress crisis situations within the community
• Intervene and de-escalate situations with persons on the telephone and in face-to-face settings
• Assess a person’s risk of harm to self or others and arrange needed resources or immediate placement if necessary
• Maintain and update health records within established departmental or program directed timelines
• Collaborate with other Co-Responders, law enforcement, court personnel, and external providers to provide services to consumers
• Devise safety plans, identify support systems, reduce and mitigate risk factors, and point consumers to supportive services, subsequent care, and treatment for mental health and/or substance use issues
• Collaborate with team members, other WPD and City personnel to identify community needs
• Maintain clinical competencies within DORA requirements for licensure

Requirements

• Master’s or doctorate degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related field from an accredited university or college
• Provisional license as LPCC, MFTC, LSW/SWC, PSYC
• Experience working in a clinical, co-response, or related crisis service position
• Understanding of medical record keeping platforms and federal and state guidelines regarding information collection, retention, and release (HIPAA)
• Experience working with community behavioral health treatment systems and supportive services
• Exceptional organizational skills for necessary reporting requirements, data analysis, and other clerical duties
• Current valid driver's license and safe driving record

Qualifications

• Current license in the State of Colorado as a psychologist, LPC, LAC, LMFT, or LCSW preferred
• Preferred provisional license as LPCC or LSW/SWC but all provisional licenses will be considered
• Experience working and collaborating with law enforcement officials
• Certified Addiction Technician (CAT), Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) preferred

Skills

• Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and procedures with respect to behavioral crisis situations
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, business English, spelling, and mathematical computations and tabulations
• Effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
• Problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
• Initiative in performing job tasks
• Communication skills, including clear and concise verbal and written communications
• Accountability for work, and taking ownership in job performance
• Concern for the accuracy and quality of work; taking steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
• Efficiency and effectiveness in working independently
• Ability to work with fellow clinical staff
• Ability to work within a police department and alongside police officers, fire department employees, and professional staff
• Ability to operate a department issued personal computer and be familiar with current computer software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Ability to use Health Care Management Systems
• Ability to communicate, understand, and follow oral and written instructions

Benefits

The City of Westminster offers a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and may vary based on the needs of the department and the individual’s availability.