Co-Response Clinician (Per Diem) - Fitchburg PD Jail Diversion

About the role

The Co-Response Program is housed at the Fitchburg Police Department and works with Police Officers and the Community Outreach Program to co-respond to calls for services for those experiencing a crisis. The Clinician will work in conjunction with the local police department in a ride-along function to provide psychiatric and substance use evaluations to community members in need.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals and families experiencing behavioral health or crisis-related concerns by providing supportive engagement, identifying immediate needs, and connecting them with appropriate community resources and services following police contact.
• Apply the strategies of the Crisis Intervention model to help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system due to illness related behaviors.
• Participate in cross training with law enforcement. Teach, coach, and role model the clinical approach to crisis work in accordance with Open Sky values.
• Represent the program in a prepared and professional manner at community events, task forces, public speaking engagements, and stakeholder’s meetings.
• Conduct proactive outreach to identify people in the community who may need support services and provide information and referrals.
• Maintain connections with law enforcement and community agencies by providing documented case consultation, program development and problem resolution.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in crisis intervention and 3 years of experience in the social work, mental health, behavioral health, and/or criminal justice field is required.
• Must have experience working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, and experience in a training capacity.
• Experience and comfort working independently required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Qualifications

• Candidates with experience in crisis intervention, behavioral health, social work, community-based services, and/or criminal justice are strongly preferred.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention models and best practices.
• Proficiency in community outreach and resource identification.

Benefits

Open Sky offers a comprehensive benefits package including excellent supervision, professional development, and training opportunities, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403b retirement plan with employer match, life insurance, and eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.