Co-Responder Mental Health Clinician

About the role

The City of Commerce City is excited to announce a new opportunity for a Co-Responder Mental Health Clinician to join the Commerce City Police Department (CCPD). This groundbreaking position reflects the City’s dedication to delivering compassionate and effective responses to community needs.

Responsibilities

• Responds to calls for service with public safety personnel and provides on-scene behavioral health assessments, 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.
• Aids in 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or doctorate in social work, clinical mental health counseling, psychology or closely related degree from an accredited program.
• Two (2) years of experience, post-licensure, in crisis counseling, substance abuse, behavioral disorders, verbal de-escalation, working with diverse and at-risk populations, community networking, and resource delivery.
• Current license in the State of Colorado as a psychologist, LPC, LAC, LMFT, or LCSW. Certified Addictions Technician (CAT) or Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) preferred.
• One year or more experience in clinical social work, co-responder experience, victim advocacy, or therapy, including experience working with moderate to severe and persistently mentally ill and at-risk populations, community networking and resource delivery.
• Experience working and collaborating with law enforcement and/or criminal justice officials.
• Previous shift work experience preferred.