Co-Responder

"Working in partnership with the community, the City and County of Broomfield provides excellent services in an efficient, respectful and courteous manner to enhance and protect the environment and quality of life of Broomfield residents."

The Co-Responder provides support to law enforcement during behavioral health calls for service and works to assist in de-escalating individuals during a behavioral health crisis. Co-responders divert at-risk community members from the criminal justice system by providing stabilization within the community or through other care options.

(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job.  The City and County of Broomfield retains the right to modify or change the duties or responsibilities and additional functions of the job at any time.  Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive.)

• Provides crisis intervention and de-escalation on the telephone, face-to-face, and in a variety of environments including parks, homes, businesses, fields, emergency rooms, and other places where a person in crisis is located. 

• Assesses a person’s risk of harm to self or others, and arranges needed resources or immediate placement.

• Collaborates with other co-responders, law enforcement, court personnel, and external providers to provide services  including intervention and diversion

• Maintains relationships with community agencies and other public agencies in carrying out treatment/service plans.

• Collaborates with clients, law enforcement, and community organizations to provide person-centered assessments; 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.

• Maintains and updates health records within established departmental or program-directed timelines.

• Works to complete accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure proper monitoring and application of the program.  

• Embraces the goals and objectives of the co-response team, according to Police Department project plans, policies and procedures, standards, and protocols.

• Advocates for the City’s interests in all situations to evoke a positive public image; raise awareness in the target population about the co-responder program.

Education

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university - required in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field.

• 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.

Experience 

• 1 year experience required in a clinical, co-response, or related crisis counseling position.

• Previous shift work experience preferred.

• Experience working or collaborating with law enforcement and / or criminal justice officials preferred.

Or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the Necessary Applicant Traits. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (in addition to above requirements)

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and safe driving record for continued employment. New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following pre-offer and post-offer/hire processes: in-person or virtual interviews, reference checks, and background checks, which may include local police check, DMV check and sex-offender registry, polygraph or CVSA, pre and post psychological, drug screen, peer sit-along, and fingerprint checks through CBI/FBI.

• Cannot have been convicted of a felony or disqualifying misdemeanor as per NCIC/CCIC policy.  

• Must maintain clinical license competencies within DORA requirements.

(The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities and neuro-differences to perform the essential functions.)

• Work may vary from periods of inactivity to periods of high emotional and mental stress.  

• Work also involves working shifts which includes all hours of days and nights, including weekends and holidays.  

• The noise level in the environment is moderate. 

• Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.  

• Occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, and stand.  

• Physical demands are described as sedentary (Exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body).  

• Tasks may require use of a computer for several hours.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision (ability to distinguish between the colors red and green) and ability to adjust focus. 

Salary : $73,091 - $100,214