Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Partner with police officers, community service providers (mental health, substance use, medical and other social services) and other first responders, to provide effective initial on-scene de-escalation, assessment and clinical intervention, and secondary linkage to support and resources for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance abuse-related crisis; provide outreach, referrals, and follow-up for community members affected by behavioral health issues.
Job Classification:
Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the assigned Sergeant.
Clinical supervision provided by the City of Grand Junction.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Respond to police-based calls for service in the community to provide triage, crisis intervention, assess needs, provide resources, and link with resources or treatment.
2. Perform outreach activities to members of the community who are affected by behavioral health issues.
3. Respond to, assess and follow-up on referrals from law enforcement, partnering agencies, and community members relating to potential individuals in need of behavioral health intervention or resources.
4. Collaborate with internal partners within the Co-Responder Program, civilian staff, and with police officers and other sworn staff to facilitate communication, effective responses to the community and to high frequency program and law enforcement contacts.
5. Act as a liaison with community agencies, service providers, and mental health support systems.
6. Provide training and education to law enforcement and other first responders relating to behavioral health services, de-escalation, and crisis intervention.
7. Assist or link clients with basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, health care, legal services, vocational services, substance use treatment, and psychiatric services, including inpatient services.
8. Collaborate with other case management professionals to support individuals identified as high utilizers and communicate the plans to the appropriate personnel.
9. Utilize clinical practice guidelines and State of Colorado Office of Behavioral Health, and Department of Regulatory Agencies guidelines and standards for appropriate service delivery.
10. Participate in patrol briefings, de-briefings, ride-alongs with officers, and proactive community outreach while accompanying police personnel.
11. Maintain and manage accurate and timely clinical records and data collection and documentation as required.
12. Maintain training, education, and best practices by attending training, conferences, and other opportunities for continuing education.
13. Prepare legal documentation for emergency and involuntary commitment processes.
14. Evaluate individuals’ need for involuntary emergency mental health treatment (“mental health hold”) and place individuals on involuntary holds in accordance with applicable policies and proceedings.
15. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of de-escalation, crisis intervention and management, case management, linking to services, and follow-up for individuals in crisis.
Risk and lethality assessment.
Coordination for emergency services when clinically indicated or medically necessary.
Electronic clinical records.
Effective communication and public speaking techniques.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Local community programs and services.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Accompany sworn and support police personnel to calls for service relating to behavioral health, involving in-progress, crisis situations and follow-up contacts in field settings.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work with individuals in highly stressful situations.
Properly assess contacts and referrals to determine appropriateness for community-based services.
Make appropriate referrals and act as a liaison with community agencies, service providers, client support systems, law enforcement agencies, and partnering first responder agencies.
Participate in team meetings with Department work units, Municipal Court programs, multi-disciplinary meetings, and community meetings relating to the program and related services.
Participate in training law enforcement personnel and peer clinicians.
Serve as a subject matter expert in co-response and de-escalation in crisis situations.
Exercise appropriate level of initiative and judgment to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Two years’ experience (preferred, not required) in clinical social work, co-responder experience, victim advocacy, or therapy, including experience working with moderate to severe and persistently mentally ill populations (preferred, not required).
Training:
Master’s degree or doctorate degree from an accredited university or college in psychology, social work, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, mental health counseling or related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Current licensure as an LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LAC, or PSY in the State of Colorado is preferred, candidates for licensure (LPCC, LCSWC) will be considered given all other requirements are met.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Colorado driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Hazardous materials (chemicals, blood and other body fluids, etc.)
Local Travel
Environmental (disruptive people, imminent danger, threatening environment)
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job's purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance, sit, stand, reach, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, lift, twist, demonstrate manual dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, and see. The employee is required to work regular shifts, stay alert during prolonged periods of stationary or repetitive activity and to remain calm during stressful or possibly life-threatening situations.